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FAA Expands SMART AI Tool to 22 US Air Traffic Centers

November 12, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

FAA expands SMART AI tool to 22 US air traffic centers.
The tool analyzes 200 data streams to optimize air traffic planning.
SMART helped reroute 180 flights in the Washington area, saving time and fuel.

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Strategic Implications

The expansion of SMART may indicate the FAA's growing reliance on AI for air traffic management, which could lead to increased efficiency and reduced congestion in US airspace. This development suggests a shift towards more proactive and data-driven approaches to air traffic control, which may have implications for the broader aviation industry.

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What Happened

US Airspace Management Enhanced With AI-Powered Planning Tool

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded its AI-supported air traffic planning tool, SMART, to the airspace controlled by all 22 of the country’s en-route air traffic control centers. The system, which analyzes 200 data streams, has already shown promising results in the Washington area, where it helped reroute 180 flights and save time and fuel. According to AeroTime, the FAA’s expansion of SMART is part of its efforts to enhance air traffic management and reduce congestion in US airspace.

Source | Originally Published: November 12, 2026

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