WASHINGTON — The United States still operates what FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called an “analog national airspace system,” and the agency is pushing to replace antiquated systems with modern digital technology.
Speaking at the Modern Skies Summit at the Department of Transportation, Bedford said current traffic management tools are “glorified calculators” and that “we can do better.” He and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined progress on the administration’s plan to rebuild U.S. air traffic control into what they call the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS).
Congress approved $12.5 billion last summer to begin modernization, most of it for new equipment and additional controllers. Duffy urged lawmakers to provide more funding and said the administration is committed to delivering the overhaul “on time, on budget.” He and Bedford stressed that the present system is safe but slow, inefficient, and vulnerable to cascading failures when problems arise.
The overhaul aims to move away from outdated radar, radio networks and paper-based processes toward systems that use modern software and communications. Planned upgrades include replacing copper wiring with fiber optics and modernizing hundreds of radio and radar sites. Duffy described the scope as 10 million labor hours across 4,600 locations with 50 vendors, and said the work is on track to finish by the end of President Trump’s term in 2028.
Duffy acknowledged the project may use artificial intelligence in certain areas; he said the DOT is in talks with three AI companies but did not name them. He cited troubling lapses such as repeated disconnects between aircraft and controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport last year as evidence the system needs improvement.
Bedford said a redesigned system could reduce costs industrywide by organizing flights to avoid conflicts, delays and cancellations. “We will see block times go down and we will finally be able to unlock flying from New York to L.A. in less time than it takes to do it today,” he said, adding benefits such as lower fuel burn and reduced ground time.
National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels welcomed new technology, calling it a “force multiplier” that would let controllers focus on critical tasks rather than routine work. The FAA also plans to hire thousands more controllers; Bedford said the agency remains understaffed. The Government Accountability Office reported in January that FAA hiring and certification of controllers has not kept pace with growth in air travel.
Duffy acknowledged past federal efforts to modernize the system have cost billions but pledged this administration will hold itself accountable to complete the job. “The Congress should have faith in this DOT and this FAA, because we are building and we’re building now. We’re delivering on the promises that we’ve made.”
NPR’s Joel Rose contributed reporting.