Air Space Intelligence Secures Major FAA Contract for AI Air Traffic Solution
The Federal Aviation Administration is set to deploy an $875 million AI software program developed by Air Space Intelligence to enhance air traffic control and streamline operations across the US.
What happened
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to launch a new AI software program named SMART, developed by the firm Air Space Intelligence. This automated, cloud-based system is designed to enhance existing FAA air traffic management systems and improve operational efficiency.
The numbers
The government's investment in the SMART software program will amount to $875 million, disbursed over a 12-year period.
Who's behind it
The Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART) program is a product developed by Air Space Intelligence. The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for its implementation and deployment.
Why it matters
The SMART program aims to address the persistent shortage of air traffic controllers and streamline air traffic operations. It leverages artificial intelligence to assess airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints, enabling it to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts proactively, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
What to watch
The initial deployment of the SMART software will begin in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, with subsequent plans for expansion into other regions. This initiative is part of the FAA's wider strategy to modernise the nation's ageing air traffic systems and resolve staffing shortages, complementing a new hiring plan announced earlier in the year.
AI-assisted reporting. This story was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed above and reviewed against our editorial rules before publication. Facts carry source provenance. Figures, investors, founders and quotations are never generated — if a detail is not in a source, it is not published.
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