The Federal Aviation Administration faces a persistent air traffic control shortage across the United States. Federal officials have sought new solutions to address these operational challenges.
The agency plans to launch an $875 million AI software program to assist air traffic controllers. The system aims to help staff manage daily workflows and safely navigate flight routes.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the program is named SMART, which stands for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories. The automated software is built to streamline air traffic operations.
A one-page document describes SMART as a cloud-based platform that enhances existing FAA air traffic management systems. The system uses artificial intelligence to evaluate airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints.
The software is designed to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts before they happen. Air Space Intelligence developed the platform for the government.
The program will cost the government $875 million over a period of 12 years. Deployment will begin in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area before expanding to other regions.
This initiative follows a hiring plan announced earlier this year. The FAA stated that the recruitment strategy aims to erase the longstanding staffing shortage.
The government is also pursuing a broader effort to modernize aging air traffic systems nationwide.
