The FAA’s air-traffic plan includes $875 million in AI

The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing to launch an artificial intelligence software program intended to help address pressure on the country’s air-traffic control system, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Called Smart, for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories, the automated program is designed to streamline air-traffic operations. A program readout describes Smart as a cloud-based platform that enhances existing FAA air-traffic management systems.

The software uses AI to assess airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, airspace conditions, and operational constraints. It is intended to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts before they occur, helping controllers manage their workflows and navigate flight routes more safely, according to the source.

Smart was developed by Air Space Intelligence. The Wall Street Journal reports that it will cost the government $875 million over a 12-year period.

The program is expected to roll out first in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area before expanding to other regions. The FAA has also announced a hiring plan aimed at addressing its longstanding staffing shortage, while the government is pursuing a broader effort to modernize the country’s aging air-traffic systems.