FAA tees up $875M AI tool to help manage air traffic congestion
FAA plans for AI tool to help manage DC air traffic before a nationwide rollout.
TL;DR
- The FAA is implementing an AI tool named SMART to advise air traffic controllers, starting with the Washington, DC, area.
- SMART uses AI to predict air traffic flows, identify potential conflicts, and aims to reduce fuel burn and improve on-time performance.
- This is the first phase of a planned nationwide rollout for the system, which is part of an $875 million contract.
- The FAA is also undertaking a large-scale modernization of its air traffic control systems and addressing a significant shortage of air traffic controllers.
- Concerns from the airline industry about the AI tool's impact were eased when the FAA stated it would not change existing procedures.