# 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.
- Title: FAA rolls out $875M AI routing tool nationwide · Gizmodo
- Summary: The Federal Aviation Administration is deploying its SMART artificial intelligence tool to manage air traffic across all 22 national centers.
- Keywords: faa, smart, ai air traffic control, sean duffy, natca, american airlines, robert isom, air traffic control, Gizmodo
- Source: Gizmodo — https://gizmodo.com/the-faa-is-rolling-out-its-ai-air-traffic-tool-nationwide-2000839347
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: faa, smart, ai air traffic control, sean duffy, natca, american airlines, robert isom, air traffic control
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The FAA is expanding its AI tool SMART nationwide to optimize routes, despite concerns from lawmakers and controllers about safety and testing.