- Congress is receiving $12.5 billion in approved funding to lead the strategic modernization efforts for Air Traffic Control.
- Lobbying efforts are underway to secure funding for the overhaul of the air traffic control system.
- Industry groups, including Airlines for America, are pushing the government regarding the management and overhaul of the national airspace system.
Airline Leaders Support FAA AI Tool Amid Calls for System Suspension
What happened
The Federal Aviation Administration rolled out SMART, an artificial intelligence-supported tool designed to identify potential air traffic issues and reduce delays and cancellations. Representative Don Beyer called for the system to be suspended, stating that air traffic controllers were not consulted or trained prior to its adoption. Despite Beyer's concerns, the CEOs of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines publicly supported the new tool, citing its potential to improve efficiency.
From newsweek.com
Why it matters
The introduction of SMART directly impacts the operational efficiency and scheduling of the national airspace system. The disagreement between airline leadership and Representative Don Beyer introduces political and operational risk to the FAA's modernization efforts, which are part of broader industry lobbying for air traffic control system funding.
Industry groups, including Airlines for America, are pushing the government regarding the management and overhaul of the national airspace system.
From newsweek.com
Who's involved
- Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines, whose CEO Ed Bastian supports the FAA's modernization efforts.
- Federal Aviation AdministrationThe Federal Aviation Administration, which rolled out the AI-supported air traffic tool SMART.
- United AirlinesUnited Airlines, whose CEO praised the system's potential to reduce delays.
- Don BeyerDon Beyer, who called for the suspension of the new air traffic system.
- Ed BastianEd Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, who supports the FAA's modernization efforts.
- American AirlinesAmerican Airlines, which publicly backed the new AI tool.
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Part of
Industry groups, including Airlines for America, are pushing the government regarding the management and overhaul of the national airspace system.Also in this story
- The Next Generation Airspace System (NPIAS) now includes airports located throughout North America.
- Systemic failures in FAA airspace design were identified on July 31, 2026.
The entities involved
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Delta Air Lines
airline in the United States (1929–present)
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Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. government agency regulating civil aviation