Transportation Secretary Duffy to Announce Air Traffic Control Overhaul

WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) – Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to unveil a comprehensive plan next week aimed at upgrading the U.S. air traffic control system, which has faced scrutiny due to its outdated infrastructure and staffing shortages. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Duffy emphasized the urgency of the initiative in light of several aviation safety incidents.

The upcoming proposal is part of a multi-year effort to revamp the Federal Aviation Administration‘s air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure, which includes plans to procure new radar systems, replace aging terminals, and bolster hiring practices. Duffy stated that he had briefed President Biden on the plan, which aligns with Biden’s vision to implement a ‘state-of-the-art’ air traffic control system.

Among the key features of Duffy’s reform plan are the introduction of advanced runway safety technologies. These enhancements are designed to eliminate the reliance on outdated binocular systems for aircraft visibility. Furthermore, Duffy noted the need to phase out obsolete technologies, including floppy disks, which are still used in some control operations.

In a report last month, the aviation sector raised alarms after a collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional airliner in January. This incident has amplified calls for immediate action from Congress regarding air traffic control technology and staffing.

Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration is grappling with a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, having about 3,500 fewer controllers than needed to meet targeted staffing levels. Many ATC facilities report that their controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks to maintain operations.

A 2023 report indicated that the FAA’s ATC systems are increasingly unsustainable, with one-third of them deemed inadequate. Many facilities are functioning with, on average, 10% fewer controllers than in 2012. A quarter of all FAA facilities are over 50 years old, which contributes to ongoing issues such as leaking roofs and failed HVAC systems, requiring billions of dollars for necessary replacements.

Former President Joe Biden had previously proposed a budget of $8 billion aimed at modernizing over 20 aging air traffic control facilities along with 377 critical radar systems.

As Secretary Duffy prepares to reveal this ambitious plan, the aviation community is watching closely, hoping for swift action to address the pressing safety and operational challenges facing the nation’s air traffic control system.