FAA Invests $875M in AI to Fix Air Traffic Control Shortage
In brief
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tackling its air traffic control shortage with a $875 million investment in AI.
- The agency will launch SMART, an automated software program designed to streamline air traffic operations.
- SMART uses AI to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts by analyzing airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, and more.
- This system, developed by Air Space Intelligence, will initially rollout in the Washington, D.C., area before expanding nationwide over 12 years.
- While the FAA is also hiring more staff and modernizing its systems, SMART aims to enhance safety and efficiency in air traffic management.
- The hope is that this AI-driven approach will reduce delays and improve the overall experience for travelers.
Terms in this brief
- SMART
- An automated software program developed by Air Space Intelligence that uses AI to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts in air traffic operations. It aims to enhance safety and efficiency in air traffic management by analyzing factors like airline schedules, weather, and airport capacity.
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