Work Continues on SMART, the AI-Powered Air Traffic Control Tool
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA are working to address concerns regarding the new SMART artificial intelligence tool deployed at airports in the Washington, D.C. area.
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have taken action to address concerns regarding the AI-powered air traffic control tool called SMART, which was launched at airports in the Washington, D.C. region.
Modernization and Budget Request
The Department of Transportation requested an additional $30 billion from Congress to complete the massive air traffic control modernization project. This budget includes the renewal of existing computing systems and the deployment of new artificial intelligence capabilities.
Deployment of the SMART System
In an announcement on September 21, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration reported that the new system has been launched at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Integration of 200 Data Streams
The system, called SMART—Strategic Airspace, Route, and Trajectory—brings together 200 different data streams under a single umbrella to provide better flight traffic management.
Goal of Reducing Delays
During a press conference on Monday, Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized that the SMART system helps reduce delays and cancellations by anticipating future scenarios, while noting that infrastructure modernization is still needed for legacy operating systems.
Concerns and Safety Apprehensions
The rollout of the new tool has caused anxiety among lawmakers and industry officials. Representative Don Beyer requested that the implementation be suspended due to safety concerns.
Emphasis That Humans Remain in Control
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford addressed the concerns by stating that the system was designed by experienced air traffic controllers. Officials emphasized that airspace control and all final decisions still rest with humans.