FAA expands AI advice to manage air traffic congestion across entire US airspace

Furthermore, the AI-powered SMART system “cannot be used to replace the critical role air traffic controllers play or take over control of an aircraft,” the FAA clarified in the September 21 announcement about the initial deployment. Local air traffic controllers can decide whether or not to accept the SMART system recommendations.

The previous FAA announcement included supportive statements from Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.

But the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents more than 15,000 members, also told Flying magazine that it was not consulted or involved in the “design, testing, or implementation of SMART and therefore cannot speak to its effect on the air traffic control workforce.”

Following the initial deployment in airspace above DC, the FAA expanded the SMART system’s coverage to air route traffic control centers in Atlanta along with Jacksonville and Miami in Florida, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The FAA also shared an example with The Dallas Morning News about how SMART recommended a shorter and faster route for a cargo flight arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, although the newspaper noted that the agency did not identify the flight involved and has not provided information about how SMART may have assisted passenger flight traffic.

Ars has previously covered the SMART system’s development and lingering questions about how it works, as well as the air traffic controller shortage and other challenges facing the FAA.