The FAA is launching SMART, an AI tool to help manage air traffic congestion, starting with a limited deployment in the Washington, DC area as soon as September 21 before expanding nationwide. The system uses AI to predict traffic flows and identify conflicts, aiming to reduce fuel burn, improve on-time performance, and speed recovery from disruptions while providing airlines and operators a shared operational view.
The FAA's new AI tool SMART for managing air traffic launched this week after weeks of airline industry confusion. The tool will initially operate in a limited capacity at three Washington D.C.-area airports, offering route suggestions to air traffic controllers without changing existing procedures. Industry concerns about extensive AI integration eased after FAA officials clarified the phased rollout approach.
The FAA is launching SMART, an $875M AI system to help manage air traffic congestion, starting with a pilot in the Washington DC area as soon as September 21 before a planned nationwide rollout. The system uses AI to predict traffic flows and identify conflicts, aiming to reduce fuel burn and improve flight efficiency while providing controllers and airlines a shared operational view.