The FAA's Plan to Fix Air Traffic? $875M Worth of AI
A new AI-based software program is being launched to help air traffic controllers better navigate their jobs as the crossing guards of America's skies.
TL;DR
- The FAA is launching an $875 million AI software program named SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories).
- SMART is a cloud-based platform designed to enhance existing air traffic management systems.
- The program uses AI to analyze airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts.
- SMART is developed by Air Space Intelligence and will cost the government $875 million over 12 years.
- The software will first be deployed in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area before expanding to other regions.
- This initiative is part of the FAA's broader efforts to manage air traffic control shortages and modernize the nation's air traffic systems.