FAA expands AI advice to manage air traffic congestion across entire US airspace

The US government has extended the use of an AI tool designed to assist air traffic controllers in managing congestion across the entire national airspace system, according to a November 10 statement. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) claims the $875 million SMART system has already proven effective, having helped divert 180 flights since its implementation in airspace over Washington, DC on September 21.

This rerouting reportedly saved an average of 10 minutes per flight and nearly 80 gallons of fuel per flight. The FAA hopes similar results can be replicated nationwide as it expands the deployment to all 22 centers across the country. The system's success has garnered support from airline executives, although the US labor union representing air traffic controllers has stated it was not involved in the design or testing of the AI-driven system.