The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle one of air travel’s biggest challenges—flight delays. The agency believes two new AI-powered air traffic management systems could significantly improve airspace efficiency within the next few years.
The FAA recently awarded an $875 million contract to Boston-based Air Space Intelligence (ASI) to deploy the new technology, which aims to predict congestion and reduce delays before they occur.
AI to Predict and Prevent Delays
The first platform, Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (Smart), is scheduled for operational trials later this year.
Smart uses AI and operational data to forecast airspace congestion and identify potential conflicts before aircraft depart. It then recommends route changes and adjusted departure times to air traffic controllers.
Meanwhile, the second platform, Flow Management Data and Services (FMDS), will serve as the future backbone of the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center.
FMDS analyzes airline schedules, airport capacity, weather patterns and planned runway closures months in advance. As a result, the FAA hopes to better manage traffic flows and reduce bottlenecks.
Cloud-Based Platform to Improve Airspace Management
The FAA said both systems will operate on a single cloud-based platform that combines critical operational data.
Instead of reacting to delays after they develop, the agency plans to identify potential disruptions days, weeks or even months in advance. Consequently, airlines and controllers can adjust operations before problems spread across the network.
Experts Welcome Technology but Question Timeline
Industry experts support the technology but remain cautious about the FAA’s implementation schedule.
Philip Mann, a former FAA National Airspace System specialist, said the systems could reduce delays if they perform as expected. However, he questioned whether the agency could fully deploy them before the end of 2028.
Similarly, Margaret Wallace, a former U.S. Air Force air traffic controller, said the AI tools should improve route planning and help controllers respond more effectively to weather disruptions.
However, she expressed concern about the FAA’s decision to lower its future air traffic controller staffing targets before the new technology has proven itself.
Airline Cooperation Will Be Essential
The FAA expects airlines to play an important role in the new system.
For example, FMDS could recommend reducing flight schedules at airports likely to experience congestion during peak travel periods or major events.
So far, airlines have responded positively. Industry group Airlines for America has described the modernization program as an encouraging step toward improving the U.S. air traffic system.
Still, some experts believe airlines should retain greater control over managing their own flight operations rather than relying on a centralized government system.
Major Modernization Effort Underway
The AI platforms form part of the FAA’s wider air traffic modernization program led by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Congress allocated $12.5 billion for the initiative last year. However, industry advocates estimate that at least $19 billion in additional funding will be needed to complete the full overhaul.
