● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
FAA to deploy $875M AI software, SMART, to manage air traffic and address controller shortage
Key points
- FAA to launch SMART, an AI software program.
- SMART will cost $875 million over 12 years.
- The software predicts traffic flows and identifies conflicts.
- Rollout begins in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
- SMART will debut for three major airports in the Washington, D.C. area.
- SMART could debut as soon as Monday, September 21.
- SMART will cover 29 million square miles of US national airspace nationwide.
- SMART uses AI models based on airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, and airspace conditions.
- SMART aims to reduce fuel burn and improve flight punctuality.
FAA Introduces AI for Air Traffic Management
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to deploy a new artificial intelligence software program named SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories). This program is intended to assist air traffic controllers in managing their workflows and navigating flight routes more safely. The initiative comes as the FAA faces a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.
SMART Software Details and Functionality
SMART is described as a cloud-based platform that integrates with existing FAA air traffic management systems. It utilizes AI to analyze various data points, including airline schedules, weather conditions, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints. This analysis allows SMART to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts before they occur, aiming to improve operational efficiency and safety.
Cost and Rollout Plan
Developed by Air Space Intelligence, the SMART program will cost the government $875 million over a 12-year period. The initial deployment of the software will take place in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, with plans for subsequent expansion to other regions across the country.
Broader FAA Modernization Efforts
This AI software deployment is part of a broader effort by the FAA to modernize the nation's aging air traffic systems. Earlier this year, the agency also announced a new hiring plan designed to address the long-standing staffing shortage among air traffic controllers, indicating a multi-faceted approach to current challenges.
Updates
- SMART will debut for three major airports in the Washington, D.C. area.
- SMART could debut as soon as Monday, September 21.
- SMART will cover 29 million square miles of US national airspace nationwide.
- SMART uses AI models based on airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, and airspace conditions.
- SMART aims to reduce fuel burn and improve flight punctuality.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching its $875 million AI-powered SMART system to advise air traffic controllers on managing congestion in the Washington, DC, area. This initial deployment aims to predict air traffic flows and identify conflicts, with a nationwide rollout planned to reduce fuel burn and improve flight punctuality.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement a new AI software program called SMART, costing $875 million over 12 years, to help air traffic controllers manage workflows and flight routes. This initiative aims to address the ongoing air traffic control shortage and modernize the nation's air traffic systems.