The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States is leading the largest-scale Air Traffic Control (ATC) system overhaul in recent years. The plan is to replace the current multiple scattered systems with a new “Common Automation Platform” (CAP) to enhance flight scheduling efficiency, airspace safety, and system resilience. This move is seen as a significant milestone in the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) in the United States.
FAA announced on Thursday (November 20th) that they have officially issued a Request for Information (RFI) to the industry seeking technical solutions for the new CAP platform. This reform is part of the “Building a New Air Traffic Control System” plan proposed by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated in a release, “Under this administration, we will provide air traffic controllers with the advanced technology they truly need and deserve. CAP will enhance safety, reduce delays, and ensure that the U.S. airspace can meet future demands.”
Currently, the FAA operates two large systems: the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) for managing high-altitude routes and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) for aircraft sorting near airports. These systems serve 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) and various Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities and towers nationwide. Both systems date back to the 1990s, have high maintenance costs, and lack flexibility.
The CAP plan aims to consolidate ERAM and STARS into a single, scalable, and flexible modern platform to enhance system stability, fault tolerance, and reduce maintenance costs.
In a investment proposal released by the FAA in May this year, it was highlighted that the U.S. aviation industry accounts for about 5% of the national GDP, involving over 2 million jobs and being a critical strategic asset for the country. The modernization of infrastructure is deemed urgent to maintain the U.S.’s leading global aviation position.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Congress passed a $12.5 billion funding in July this year for replacing aging systems and hiring more air traffic controllers. Duffy mentioned that FAA will request an additional budget of around $19 billion from Congress to drive comprehensive reform over the next decade.
FAA noted that out of the 138 Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems in the U.S., 51 systems are deemed “unsustainable.” Some equipment is severely outdated, with FAA even having to resort to “eBay for maintenance parts.” This summer, the U.S. faced significant flight delays due to air traffic control technology failures, making the need for reform even more pressing.
FAA has issued tenders for projects such as runway safety lighting and airspace traffic management, and the selection of the “Prime Integrator” leading the overall ATC reform is entering its final stages.
Currently, the two shortlisted enterprises include Peraton, a contractor for Veritas Capital, and Parsons Corporation, which is partnering with IBM for a joint bid.
Duffy mentioned that he and Bedford will report to President Trump in the coming weeks before making the final decision.