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FAA Awards $875M AI Air Traffic Contract

September 18, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

FAA awards $875M contract to Air Space Intelligence for AI air traffic system.
SMART platform predicts flight conflicts using AI and cloud-based technology.
System will deploy first in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Contract aims to support controllers amidst staffing shortage.

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Strategic Implications

This contract may signal the FAA's growing reliance on AI for air traffic management, which could enhance efficiency and safety. The partnership with Air Space Intelligence suggests a shift towards leveraging specialized AI companies for critical aviation infrastructure, which may set a precedent for future procurement decisions.

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What Happened

Air Space Intelligence Wins 12-Year SMART Contract

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a 12-year, $875 million contract to Air Space Intelligence for an AI-driven air traffic management platform called SMART. The system, which will initially deploy in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, aims to predict flight conflicts and support controllers amidst a staffing shortage. According to AI Chat Daily, the contract represents one of the largest publicly disclosed AI contracts issued by a US civil aviation regulator and positions Air Space Intelligence as a key player in the federal air traffic stack.

Source | Originally Published: September 18, 2026

Companies Mentioned