AI in the sky: Inside the FAA plan to overhaul air traffic (www.politico.com)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an ambitious AI initiative named the Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories (SMART) aimed at transforming air traffic management in the U.S. This project, led by FAA chief Bryan Bedford, seeks to alleviate the workload of air traffic controllers by using AI to better anticipate flight patterns and manage airspace demand, ultimately reducing delays and congestion. Notably, SMART will not replace controllers in critical safety functions but will instead enable preemptive adjustments to flight trajectories based on real-time data like weather forecasts and airline schedules. The significance of this project lies in its potential to enhance the efficiency and safety of air travel, particularly following the recent airline-helicopter disaster that underscored the strain on the current air traffic system. By allowing controllers to focus on crucial safety decisions rather than reactive measures, SMART aims to reduce stress on the tactical side of operations. The FAA is currently evaluating proposals from three technology firms—Thales, Air Space Intelligence, and Palantir—with plans for a proof-of-concept demonstration set for late 2026, marking a significant step toward modernizing air traffic management through AI.