FAA to Introduce SMART AI System to Modernise US Air Traffic Control
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to introduce a new artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system designed to improve the efficiency of the United States airspace network. The system, known as SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace Routes and Trajectories), will analyse flight schedules, weather patterns, runway capacity and operational constraints to identify potential disruptions before they affect flights.
Part of a wider air traffic control modernisation programme, SMART is expected to support decision-making across the aviation industry while leaving responsibility for air traffic control in human hands. The FAA believes the system could help reduce delays, improve situational awareness and optimise traffic flows across the national airspace system.
Published: 2 October 2026
Written by: Shreya Majumder
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to introduce a new artificial intelligence (AI) system in 2026 as it works to modernise the United States’ air traffic control system. The system, known as SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace Routes and Trajectories), will analyse “flight schedules and weather forecasts” as well as “runway capacity and restrictions” in order to forecast traffic flows and identify potential delays.
SMART is one of several systems being developed under a 12-year, $875 million contract with Air Space Intelligence. The new system will provide traffic information to the FAA and industry partners involved in the operation of the national airspace system.
New Software Designed to Assist Air Traffic Control
SMART’s primary objective is to help the FAA and the airlines respond to “operational disruptions, schedule changes, and other factors” and reduce delays and cancellations.
The first version of the software will serve as a decision-support system during flight operations disruptions. In the future, the system is designed to contribute to “arrival scheduling and spacing algorithms” and “route planning and scheduling processes” many days in advance. As part of the initiative, the FAA is set to open a new centre for the programme within the Transportation Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Of significance, SMART, an AI-driven traffic management system, will not replace human traffic controllers.
SMART aims to provide guidance and information to support some of the most complex aspects of flight operations and offer recommendations to address them, rather than taking over air traffic control responsibilities altogether.
Modernisation of Aging Infrastructure
The introduction of SMART is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to modernise the country’s aging aviation infrastructure. The FAA has been in talks with the commercial aviation industry about scheduling issues.
Industry representatives have raised concerns over the implementation of the system, particularly about the allocation of prime take-off and landing slots at major airports. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has advocated for changes to the current system, arguing that flight management should be handled by the federal government.
Industry Welcomes Technological Improvements
The industry seems to welcome the new system as an opportunity to improve operations, increase safety, and free up capacity. Several airlines have said the software has the potential to optimise traffic flows, enhance safety and improve overall performance.
SMART is scheduled to enter service in 2026 and is expected to operate nationwide by the end of 2028. It will have the ability to detect potential traffic conflicts up to 45 days in advance and suggest schedule changes to avoid them. The system will offer a shared situational awareness of operations and allow for data-driven decision-making, while leaving the responsibility for actual traffic control to human operators.
Key Facts
The FAA plans to introduce the SMART AI traffic management system in 2026.
SMART stands for Strategic Management of Airspace Routes and Trajectories.
The system will analyse flight schedules, weather forecasts, runway capacity and operational restrictions.
SMART is being developed under a 12-year, $875 million contract with Air Space Intelligence.
The software is designed to help reduce delays, cancellations and operational disruptions.
The FAA says SMART will support decision-making rather than replace air traffic controllers.
Future versions may contribute to arrival scheduling, route planning and long-term traffic management.
The system is expected to identify potential traffic conflicts up to 45 days in advance.
Industry stakeholders believe the technology could improve efficiency, safety and traffic flow management.
SMART is expected to be operating nationwide by the end of 2028.
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Author: Shreya Majumder Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
