The US aviation industry on Wednesday urged Congress to allocate $20 billion to advance a large-scale modernization project aimed at updating the nation's aging air traffic control system, with the goal of reducing systemic flight disruptions.
An aviation coalition comprising airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports, and industry unions stated that the $20 billion in funding would be used to replace and refurbish hundreds of outdated air traffic control facilities, equip controllers with cutting-edge technology, and develop a next-generation airspace management system to enhance flight safety and decrease delays.
Last year, Congress had already appropriated $12.5 billion for this initiative to phase out obsolete equipment and address staffing shortages in control towers. The newly requested funds would primarily be directed toward developing new software systems designed to significantly improve commercial aviation efficiency.
A letter jointly signed by Boeing, Airbus, the Airlines for America trade group, the U.S. Travel Association, the Air Line Pilots Association, and dozens of other organizations stated that the aviation system is a vital national asset now facing increasing operational pressures.
In an April interview, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the Department of Transportation had initially requested approximately $19 billion from Congress. He is now seeking $10 billion for the next phase of the project, with the remaining funds hoped to be secured later.
Republican Senator Jerry Moran said on Wednesday that Congress is likely to approve additional funding for the project in an appropriations bill later this year.
The air traffic control communications systems operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have experienced a series of failures, including a major, widespread system outage at Newark Airport last year. The previously approved $12.5 billion was intended to address long-standing complaints about airport congestion and flight delays, problems largely attributed to outdated equipment and understaffed control towers.
A 2023 report noted that the FAA's communications systems are severely aged, with many supporting systems no longer having spare parts available for purchase. Another report found that 51 out of the agency's 138 air traffic control communications systems are struggling to maintain normal operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration stated it plans to install 5,000 new high-speed network lines, utilizing fiber optics, satellite, and wireless communications, at major airports by the end of 2028. The plan also includes deploying 27,000 new communication radios and 612 advanced radar units.