President Joe Biden also plans to name Katie Thomson, the FAA's chief of staff, as deputy administrator, replacing Bradley Mims.
Trottenberg's appointment is effective immediately. She replaces Billy Nolen, who has been acting head of the FAA since April 2022. Nolen announced in April that he would resign after a new administrator was nominated.
In March, Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington withdrew his nomination to serve as FAA administrator after Republican criticism. The White House has not yet named a new nominee.