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FAA air traffic control modernization program

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2026-09-22 00:52 UTC → 2026-09-22 21:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~The system processes real-time data to identify operational bottlenecks, assisting with flight re-scheduling and crew assignments, particularly during weather-related disruptions.~~ 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.

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