✈️FAA Deploys AI to Manage DC Airspace Starting Monday

AI Takes Over Air Traffic Control in DC

The FAA is rolling out an AI system called SMART to manage air traffic in the Washington, DC, area starting Monday. SMART uses AI models to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts based on factors like weather and airport capacity. This move is seen as a critical step towards a nationwide rollout covering 29 million square miles of US airspace. The system aims to reduce aircraft fuel burn and improve on-time performance, but airline confusion and controller concerns have delayed the rollout. SMART is part of an $875 million, 12-year contract awarded to Air Space Intelligence, which already manages over 40% of US air traffic through its Flyways AI platform.