FAA Pushes for New Air Traffic Control System

The FAA seeks industry feedback to transform and modernize the U.S. air traffic control system by 2028.

A significant shift toward industrial automation and digital transformation in aviation is being emphasized by U.S. air traffic control professionals. Within the next four years, the sector is preparing for a rapid effort to completely transform the country’s air traffic control system.

Last week, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials in Washington released a request for information regarding the new air traffic control system, in response to President Trump’s plan to develop a completely new system by 2028. In order to accomplish this goal and modernize the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), the FAA is looking for businesses to contribute ideas and technologies in the fields of telecommunications, radio communications, surveillance, machine automation, and infrastructure. The FAA is connecting with companies to find out which of the five areas of interest—telecommunications, radio communications, surveillance, automation, and facilities—they have the most expertise in. It’s also seeking input from companies on how the new ATC system should be designed, the best ways to acquire it, and which business models could be most effective.

To build and execute new air traffic control system, the FAA is considering three possible ways to collaborate with industry: the prime integrator approach, the non-prime integrator approach, and a hybrid model. The FAA is also seeking input from industry experts on controlling costs, handling supply chain risks, managing data rights, completing a new ATC system by the end of 2028, exploring commercial options, and handling security challenges.