US air traffic control systems get long-awaited makeover
The US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration are modernizing air traffic control systems across the country as part of a three-year plan. The overhaul includes implementing new network connections, communication and radar software, and artificial intelligence tools at 4,600 FAA sites by the end of 2028.
The US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration are undertaking a three-year plan to modernize air traffic control systems nationwide. The initiative was launched following a deadly midair collision between a US Army helicopter and a passenger plane near Washington, D.C. The USDOT and FAA are targeting four main systems: wires, communications, radars, and flight strips. So far, half the systems' copper wires have been replaced, 270 radio sites converted, and 17 ATC towers have started using electronic flight strips. The USDOT expects to implement new network connections, communication and radar software, smart computers for electronic flight strips, and artificial intelligence tools at 4,600 FAA sites by the end of 2028. The project has been funded with $12.5 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with a request for $26.6 billion for the 2027 budget.
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