SMART background
The government is seeking innovative solutions as the FAA struggles to manage the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency is expected to deploy AI software called SMART soon. SMART is an abbreviation for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories, and is described as a cloud-based platform that enhances existing FAA air traffic management systems. The system aims to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts in advance by analyzing airline schedules, weather conditions, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints.
Space figures
The software developed by Air Space Intelligence will cost the government $875 million over 12 years. The application will first be used in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and then rolled out to other regions. The FAA is also carrying out a new hiring plan to address the staffing shortage and an effort to modernize the country’s aging air traffic systems.