FAA extends AI system to manage air traffic across all US airspace

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is broadening the deployment of its AI-driven SMART system to manage air traffic congestion across the entirety of the United States airspace. This expansion follows a successful initial trial in the National Capital Region, which began on September 21 over Washington, DC. The $875 million SMART system has demonstrated efficiency gains in its initial deployment, reportedly rerouting 180 flights. The FAA stated that this resulted in an average time saving of 10 minutes per flight and a fuel reduction of nearly 80 gallons per flight, outcomes the agency aims to replicate nationally. According to the agency statement issued on November 10, the FAA plans to utilize SMART across all 22 national centers to enhance the flying public's experience, decrease fuel use, and mitigate delays. While airline executives have expressed support for the rollout, the air traffic controller labor union noted that it was not involved in the system's design or testing.