# FAA air traffic control modernization program

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/faa-air-traffic-control-modernization-program
> Updated: 2026-09-22T11:30:05.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is undertaking a large-scale modernization of the United States air traffic control system to address aging infrastructure and staffing shortages. Initial reports indicated that the first phase of the program was expected to cost $16 billion, exceeding the $12.5 billion previously appropriated by Congress. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted that the agency is currently covering funding gaps using existing facility and equipment budgets. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has raised concerns regarding oversight, noting the absence of a comprehensive lifecycle cost estimate or an integrated master schedule for the overhaul. As the project progresses, the estimated cost floor for the entire modernization effort has risen to approximately $26.2 billion. This includes Phase 1 costs and an estimated $10.2 billion required for Phase 2 systems, which focus on automation for aircraft tracking and traffic flow management. A key technological component of this effort is the implementation of ‘Smart’ (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories), an $875 million AI-driven software program. Developed by Air Space Intelligence through a 12-year contract, this cloud-based platform is designed to use artificial intelligence to analyze weather, airline schedules, and airspace conditions to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts. The SMART system is now live at three major airports in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area: Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington Dulles International, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall airports. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that while the technology assists in decision-making, “human controllers will remain in charge of managing American airspace.” However, the deployment has met resistance from lawmakers and aviation experts. Representative Don Beyer has called for a suspension of the technology, arguing that the FAA should not use constituents as “guinea pigs” for an unproven system.

## Claims

- The FAA is deploying the SMART AI system to manage US airspace. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated there is a 0% chance AI will destroy humanity by 2030. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warned that AI could pose an existential threat within the decade. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The SMART system is designed to assist, not replace, air traffic controllers. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The initial rollout of the SMART system will occur at three airports in the Washington, D.C. region. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The SMART system analyzes weather, airline schedules, and airport capacity to predict traffic flows. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The contract for the SMART system is valued at approximately $875 million. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Air Space Intelligence was awarded the contract to develop the SMART and FMDS platforms. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: FAA AI air traffic control system faces safety concerns

U.S. officials and aviation experts are questioning the safety of the FAA's new SMART AI air traffic control system ahead of its rollout in the Washington, D.C. area.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/faa-ai-air-traffic-control-system-faces-safety-concerns

### 2026-09-17: FAA to deploy $875 million AI air traffic management system

The FAA is launching SMART, an $875 million AI-driven air traffic management system, starting in Washington, D.C., to help controllers predict conflicts and manage airspace more efficiently.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/faa-air-traffic-modernization-involves-ai-software-and-262-billion-cost-floor

### 2026-09-15: FAA modernization phase one expected to cost $16 billion

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford informed lawmakers that the first phase of air traffic control modernization will cost $16 billion, exceeding congressional funding and requiring additional budget support.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/faa-modernization-phase-one-expected-to-cost-16-billion

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Cite as: FAA air traffic control modernization program. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/faa-air-traffic-control-modernization-program