U.S. Senate Confirms John DeLeeuw to NTSB Board
The U.S. Senate has confirmed longtime American Airlines executive John DeLeeuw as the newest member of the National Transportation Safety Board, filling a vacancy created when former board member Alvin Brown was removed last year.
DeLeeuw, nominated by Donald Trump in September, was confirmed in a 50-45 vote along party lines, with Republicans supporting the nomination on Feb. 26. He will serve the remainder of Brown’s term, which runs through December 2026.
DeLeeuw currently serves as managing director of safety and efficiency at American Airlines, overseeing core safety initiatives including flight operations quality assurance, line operations safety audits and continuous improvement programs. He also previously chaired safety efforts for the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American’s pilots, and led the airline’s accident investigation team.
A former U.S. Air Force pilot, DeLeeuw brings more than three decades of airline experience, most recently flying as a Boeing 787 captain. Over his career, he has logged approximately 19,000 flight hours across multiple aircraft types, including the C-130, Boeing 727, MD-80 and 787.
Industry groups voiced support during the nomination process. The Allied Pilots Association cited his operational insight and analytical approach to risk management, while Southwest Airlines described him as a collaborative safety advocate. Boeing also highlighted his extensive experience in human factors and flight operations.
DeLeeuw joins NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and board members Thomas Chapman, Michael Graham and Todd Inman on the five-member investigative panel.
His confirmation follows the removal of Alvin Brown, a former mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, who was appointed to the board in April 2024. Brown was dismissed 13 months later without a public explanation and subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking reinstatement. Senate Democrats argued the removal was unlawful and urged delaying DeLeeuw’s confirmation pending resolution of the legal challenge.
The NTSB plays a critical role in investigating aviation accidents and issuing safety recommendations. DeLeeuw’s background in airline operations and accident response is expected to strengthen the board’s technical expertise as it addresses ongoing aviation safety challenges.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationweek.com