FAA to Deploy $875M AI System to Address Air Traffic Control Shortage
aiinsider ·
The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing to launch an $875 million AI-powered software program called SMART to address its ongoing air traffic controller shortage. Developed by Air Space Intelligence, the Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories system will operate as a cloud-based platform over a 12-year contract period. SMART utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze airline schedules, weather conditions, airport capacity, and airspace constraints to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts before they occur. The initiative aims to enhance existing air traffic management systems while supporting broader efforts to modernize the nation's aging infrastructure. Initially, the system will roll out in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area before expanding to additional regions nationwide. This deployment comes amid structural workforce challenges that have led to chronic staffing gaps among air traffic controllers. Earlier this year, the agency announced a new hiring plan intended to eliminate these longstanding staffing issues. The SMART program represents one of the government’s significant investments aimed at improving flight safety and operational efficiency.
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