FAA: $875 Million for SMART, an AI Software Over 12 Years

The FAA plans to introduce SMART, an AI software provided by Air Space Intelligence and funded at $875 million over 12 years. Deployment is set to begin in the Washington, D.C. area before expanding. The tool, described as a cloud platform, is designed to analyze schedules, weather, and capacities to anticipate traffic conflicts. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the shortage of controllers and modernize systems.

12-Year Contract and Initial Deployment in Washington, D.C.

The SMART program is being developed by Air Space Intelligence. Its funding amounts to $875 million, spread over a period of 12 years. The FAA plans to start deployment in the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., before extending the software to other regions. This program aims to assist air traffic controllers in managing their workflows and improving safety on flight paths.

What SMART is Designed to Do: Multi-Source Analysis and Conflict Detection

SMART is described as a cloud solution designed to complement the FAA's current air traffic management tools. This program leverages artificial intelligence to examine airline schedules, weather forecasts, airport capacities, airspace status, and operational limitations. Through these analyses, it anticipates traffic flow and identifies potential conflict risks before they occur. According to the Wall Street Journal, the FAA plans to soon launch this automated program to streamline air traffic control operations.

Controller Shortage and System Modernization

The FAA is facing a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, and the government has indicated it is seeking innovative solutions to this problem. Earlier this year, the agency announced a bold and new recruitment plan, presented as likely to eliminate a long-standing personnel shortage. Additionally, the government is undertaking a comprehensive effort to modernize the country’s aging air traffic control systems.