# FAA bets $875M on AI to fix air traffic chaos

> The Federal Aviation Administration is launching an AI system to help overwhelmed air traffic controllers manage flights more safely.
- Title: FAA bets $875M on AI to fix air traffic chaos · TechCrunch
- Summary: The Federal Aviation Administration is launching an AI system to help overwhelmed air traffic controllers manage flights more safely. The FAA is investing…
- Keywords: faa, air traffic control, artificial intelligence, smart system, air space intelligence, staffing shortage, washington dc, flight management, government technology, aviation modernization, technology, startups
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/17/the-faas-plan-to-fix-air-traffic-875-million-worth-of-ai
- Author: Lucas Ropek
- Published: 2026-09-17T22:14:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: faa, air traffic control, artificial intelligence, smart system, air space intelligence, staffing shortage, washington dc, flight management, government technology, aviation modernization, technology, startups
## FAA faces critical controller shortage
The Federal Aviation Administration has been struggling to manage an air traffic control shortage throughout the country. The government is actively searching for innovative solutions to address the problem.
## Meet SMART, the $875M AI solution
The FAA will launch SMART, or Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories. This AI software program is designed to help air traffic controllers manage workflows and safely navigate flight routes.
## How SMART predicts flight conflicts
The cloud-based platform uses AI to assess airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints. It predicts traffic flows and identifies potential conflicts before they occur.

> a cloud-based platform system that enhances existing FAA air traffic management systems
## SMART rolls out from Washington DC
The software, created by Air Space Intelligence, will launch first in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area before expanding to other regions across the country.
## FAA also pushing hiring and modernization
Earlier this year, the FAA announced a new hiring plan designed to erase the longstanding staffing shortage. The government is also engaged in a broader effort to modernize the nation's aging air traffic systems.
## Key takeaway

The FAA is investing $875 million in an AI platform called SMART to predict flight conflicts and streamline air traffic operations across the country.