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Transportation Secretary Reveals Bold Plan for Air Traffic Control Overhaul

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Sean Duffy Air Traffic Control System

Washington, DC — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a revolutionary plan to build a new air traffic control system by 2028 aimed at enhancing safety and reducing delays. This initiative follows significant disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport caused by outdated technology.

During a press conference on Thursday, Duffy declared, “The FAA is going to undertake an initiative that has never been done before. All new hardware and software is going to be built into this brand new air traffic control system.” The plan entails a comprehensive overhaul of critical infrastructure, including communications and surveillance technologies.

The urgency for this modernization stems from a recent 30 to 90 second blackout of air traffic controllers’ screens and radios, which prompted several controllers to take trauma leave. Duffy emphasized, “If we don’t accomplish our mission today, you will see Newark-like situations in other parts of the country.”

The plan includes replacing 618 aging radars and deploying over 25,000 new radios across 4,600 sites. By 2028, connections will switch from outdated copper wiring to fiber-optic and wireless technology. Duffy reassured the public of the current safety of the air traffic system, stating that the upgrades are necessary to ensure future safety.

“Today is actually a historic day for the FAA and the United States air traffic control system,” said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, expressing optimism about the system’s modernization. He praised Duffy’s proactive approach, stating that the initiative could expedite improvements more effectively than typical government processes.

To fund this ambitious plan, Duffy will seek appropriations from Congress and plans to report progress every quarter. He noted the existing environment where outdated systems rely on parts often sourced from online platforms like eBay, saying, “We shop on eBay to replace the parts.”

As part of the plan, six new air traffic control centers will be built for the first time since the 1960s, and surface awareness technology will be expanded to 200 airports. Duffy highlighted the pressing necessity for reform, emphasizing, “We need to ensure our air traffic controllers have the tools to keep airplanes separated.”

President Donald Trump, who joined the press conference via speakerphone, echoed Duffy’s commitment, stating, “These actions will bring American air traffic control into the highest level of anybody, any country, anywhere in the world.”

The announcement comes in the wake of growing concerns about air traffic safety and staffing shortages, with an estimated shortfall of 3,500 controllers nationwide, which has put immense pressure on operations.

Without the crucial support from Congress, Duffy warned that achieving the goals set forth in the plan may remain unattainable. “We’re confident that we can modernize this system, but we need your help and your funding,” he concluded.