The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making a significant investment in artificial intelligence as part of its extensive plans to revamp the air traffic control system in the United States. This initiative comes at a time when public apprehension regarding AI technologies is on the rise.
Phillip Buckendorf, the CEO and co-founder of Air Space Intelligence (ASI), the company developing the AI-enhanced software for the FAA, reassured stakeholders that human oversight will remain central to air traffic control operations. "It's crucial to clarify that our aim is not to automate air traffic control," he stated. "We are focused on optimizing the airspace as a whole."
The FAA has engaged ASI to improve the efficiency of the nation’s air traffic, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy introduced the $875 million software tool last week. Duffy emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technology to support human decision-making in air traffic management. "We aim to provide the best tools and insights so that humans can make informed decisions," he remarked.
In a detailed discussion, Buckendorf highlighted that air traffic controllers will still play an essential role in maintaining safe distances between aircraft. The FAA's new software tool is intended for traffic managers overseeing airspace, assisting them in making more informed routing and scheduling decisions. "The AI handles the calculations and analysis," Buckendorf noted, adding that the final call is always made by the human operator. "They are the decision-makers."
Buckendorf likened this process to a chess game, where the software can project multiple future moves for traffic managers. "We analyze over 200 data sources, including weather, traffic congestion, turbulence, wind conditions, and runway closures, to determine the optimal flight paths nationwide," he said. "Our goal is to enhance the flow of air traffic, ensuring timely arrivals, reducing delays and cancellations, ultimately improving the travel experience."
This system is called Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories, or SMART. It is akin to the Flyways AI tool, which ASI previously developed for airline flight dispatchers and is currently utilized by Alaska Airlines and other airlines.
However, the stakes associated with the SMART system are notably higher. The initial implementation will commence with a pilot program at three major airports in the Washington, D.C., area, which has raised concerns from some lawmakers, including Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). Beyer, representing areas near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, voiced concerns about using constituents for a trial of an untested AI air traffic control system. "Rushing this system, which directly impacts the safety of Americans, is not an appropriate application for AI," he stated.
Buckendorf recognized the legitimate fears surrounding AI in air traffic control but encouraged skeptics to familiarize themselves with the technology. "We invite you to examine it closely. A lot of doubt stems from a lack of understanding," he asserted. He emphasized, "I understand the trepidation about AI in air traffic control, but it's crucial to know that the machine does not make decisions—humans do."
Even though some critics question the software’s potential impact on an already overwhelmed air traffic system, particularly at major hubs, former FAA air traffic controller Dave Riley acknowledged that the SMART system is "a step in the right direction." However, he expressed caution, stating that it is not a fix-all for deeper issues, including the ongoing staffing shortages that lead many controllers to face demanding work schedules.
Riley remarked that there may be an overemphasis on the software’s benefits to the flying public. "Just adding the term 'AI' seems to grab attention," he commented.
Nonetheless, Buckendorf argues for the necessity of providing air traffic managers with the best possible tools to support their critical decisions. He noted that the navigation apps many people use on their smartphones often outperform the existing software in use by air traffic controllers. "We should aim for better than that," he said. "It’s vital that these highly trained professionals have access to advanced software to perform their crucial roles effectively."
