From Gizmodo · · 2m
FAA rolls out $875M AI routing tool nationwide
The Federal Aviation Administration is deploying its SMART artificial intelligence tool to manage air traffic across all 22 national centers.
In brief
The Federal Aviation Administration is deploying its SMART artificial intelligence tool to manage air traffic across all 22 national centers. The FAA is expanding its AI tool SMART nationwide to optimize routes, despite concerns from lawmakers and controllers about safety and testing. Originally reported by Gizmodo.
FAA expands AI routing nationwide
The Federal Aviation Administration is expanding its $875 million AI air traffic tool across the entire country.
FAA claims safety remains intact
Officials insist the route management software only suggests flight paths and will not affect overall air safety.
Initial testing yields flight savings
A September test in Washington rerouted 180 flights, saving ten minutes and eighty gallons of fuel per flight.
System arrives at twenty-two centers
The FAA is deploying the software to all 22 national centers to reduce delays and cut fuel consumption.
Software analyzes traffic and weather
The system combines weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics to optimize alternative flight routes.
Human experts validate recommendations
A D.C. expert team validates suggestions before passing them to controllers, who maintain final control over flight decisions.
Transportation chief backs rollout
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy promoted the system, emphasizing that a human will always manage the national airspace.
“always going to be a human that manages the airspace in America”
Controllers excluded from development
The air traffic controllers union stated it was not involved in designing, testing, or implementing the new system.
“design, testing, or implementation of SMART and therefore cannot speak to its effect on the air traffic control workforce”
House Democrats request GAO review
House Democrats asked the Government Accountability Office to review implementation strategy, performance metrics, and safety risk management.
Lawmakers warn of potential hallucinations
Lawmakers warned that artificial intelligence could hallucinate safety critical information or interfere with experienced air traffic controllers.
“hallucinate safety-critical information”
Airlines seek clarity on integration
Airlines initially panicked over potential disruption, but felt relieved learning the tool only generates alternative route suggestions.
“simply generate alternative route information that is passed through the FAA’s existing systems and procedures”
Agency plans further tech updates
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom praised the tool, while the agency plans to phase out floppy disks by 2028.
The big picture
The FAA is expanding its AI tool SMART nationwide to optimize routes, despite concerns from lawmakers and controllers about safety and testing.
