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September 17, 2026
AI-Powered Air Traffic Control System Launches in D.C. Area
- The Smart system, developed under an $875 million contract, will begin operations on a limited scale in Washington, D.C.
- It is designed to predict traffic flows and identify potential bottlenecks to improve scheduling and reduce cancellations.
- Federal authorities will establish a centralized office for the program at the Transportation Department's headquarters.
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize U.S. aviation infrastructure amid ongoing staffing challenges.
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2 Sources
- The FAA’s $875 Million Plan to Use AI to Ease Air-Traffic WoesSep 17, 2026 at 5:09 PM · WSJ
- AI-assisted air traffic control is coming to some of the nation’s busiest skiesSep 18, 2026 at 12:33 AM · Independent