US pledges to replace ‘antiquated’ air traffic control system

US aviation leaders have welcomed plans to upgrade the country’s “antiquated” air traffic control system.

 

US Department of Transportation secretary Sean Duffy unveiled an ambitious plan to build a new, state-of-the-art ATC system.

 

The plan includes a technology overhaul that will bring “desperately needed” upgrades to the crucial systems that support almost three million air passengers a day, according to the US Travel Association.

 

The US Congress is considering legislation that provides a $12.5 billion downpayment to support the plan. 

 

“This funding would ensure the technology upgrades are not just aspirational, but actionable,” the association said.

 

“By replacing the current, antiquated system, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) will enhance safety in the sky, reduce delays, and unlock the future of air travel,” a DoT statement said. 

 

“This plan also ensures hard-working air traffic controllers have a system they can rely on and one they deserve.” 

 

The initiative addresses “critical safety needs” with the FAA replacing core infrastructure including radar, software, hardware and telecommunications networks.

 

“We have a system that is built for the past, we are proposing a system built for the future. The agency will equip facilities with better technology to reduce outages, improve efficiency, and reinforce safety,” the DoT said.

 

The plan includes building six new air traffic control centres for the first time since the 1960s and installing  modern technology to create a common platform system throughout control towers

 

Duffy said: “Decades of neglect have left us with an outdated system that is showing its age. 

 

“Building this new system is an economic and national security necessity, and the time to fix it is now. 

 

“The unprecedented coalition of support we’ve assembled – from labour to industry – is indicative of just how important it is to this administration to get done what no one else could. The American people are counting on us, and we won’t let them down.” 

 

The US Travel Association described modernisation of the ATC system as an “essential step” towards strengthening America’s travel infrastructure and ensuring a better experience for millions of travellers.

 

Chief executive Geoff Freeman said: “We commend secretary Duffy for his leadership and vision in tackling the urgent needs of our air traffic control system. 

 

“Prior to president Trump’s administration, America’s leadership too often focused on fines and fees when it came to air travel. 

 

“What secretary Duffy announced will benefit travellers and the broader US economy, and it’s the type of leadership that America’s travel industry has been calling for.

 

“For too long, outdated systems and under-investment have slowed air travel and hampered growth."

 

The US National Air Transportation Association (NATA) said: “We strongly support secretary Duffy’s plan to rebuild our nation’s air traffic control system.

 

“Recent issues remind us of the urgent need for a sharp focus on the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System and the dire necessity to address antiquated technology and the staffing shortage.

“We are pleased that the secretary has identified the priorities of what must be done to maintain safety and remain a leader in air navigation services. 

 

“We applaud the administration’s budget request of $4 billion for FAA’s technology and facilities account, which is higher than ever before. 

 

“However, based on decades of federal budgets not even keeping up with inflation, the system is in serious need of continued sufficient budget requests as well as an immediate robust infusion of resources.”