FAA expands AI air traffic management across US airspace

The US government has broadened the application of an artificial intelligence tool designed to guide air traffic controllers in managing congestion throughout the national airspace system. While leaders of airline companies have expressed their approval for the expansion, the labor union for air traffic controllers stated that it did not participate in the development or evaluation of this AI-powered technology.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the $875 million SMART system has successfully redirected 180 flights since its introduction to the airspace above Washington, DC, on September 21. The FAA reports that the system saved an average of 10 minutes and nearly 80 gallons of fuel for each of those flights, and the agency aims to achieve similar efficiencies across the country.

In a statement released on November 10, the agency said, “After a successful initial rollout to the National Capital Region in September, the FAA will now use SMART in the airspace of all 22 centers across the country to reduce delays, reduce fuel consumption and improve the travel experience for the flying public.”