Meet our speaker

As the Chief Operating Officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, Tim is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient and secure air traffic services for approximately 50,000 aircraft operating every day over nearly 30 million square miles across the National Airspace System (NAS).

He provides leadership and guidance to more than 35,000 employees and oversees the daily operation of the ATO, an organisation made up of air traffic controllers, technicians, engineers, pilots and a host of other technical and support personnel.

The organisation is also responsible for operationalising airspace modernisation initiatives and integrating unmanned aircraft systems and commercial space operations into the NAS.

Throughout his 33-year career with the FAA, Tim has developed expertise in airspace security, air traffic safety, resource management and labour relations. Prior to being named ATO Chief Operating Officer in October 2022, he served as Deputy COO from 2017-2022, overseeing domestic air traffic operations and managing the ATO Officers Group, the organisation’s executive leadership team.

Tim’s previous leadership roles in the ATO include Director of Safety, Deputy Vice President of Safety and Technical Training and Vice President of Air Traffic Services. Earlier in his career, Tim Arel managed the ATC Investigations Team, the Compliance Services Group, the Quality Assurance Group and the Runway Safety Group. He began his FAA career as an air traffic controller in 1989.