US Air Traffic Control Undergoes Biggest Upgrade Since the Jet Age
The FAA announced the largest modernization of U.S. air traffic control since the jet age, replacing decades-old systems with new fiber wiring, radios, radars, and digital flight strips. The agency also reported a surge in applications for air traffic controller jobs, with over 8,000 applicants in the first 13 hours of a recruitment drive.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is undertaking the largest modernization of U.S. air traffic control since the jet age. The upgrades include replacing thousands of miles of copper wires with high-speed fiber-optic lines, upgrading over 20,000 radios by the end of 2028, replacing more than 600 radars, and digitizing flight strips in 89 control towers. These changes aim to improve safety and efficiency. The FAA has also launched a recruitment drive for air traffic controllers, receiving over 8,000 applications in the first 13 hours. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy hosted the Modern Skies Summit to announce the upgrades. The FAA is addressing staffing shortages with a new recruitment strategy targeting video game enthusiasts.
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