JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

FAA Rolls Out AI Air Traffic Tool Nationwide

November 13, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

FAA expands SMART AI tool nationwide.
SMART aims to reduce delays and fuel consumption.
System suggests routes, but doesn't affect air safety.
FAA claims 10-minute average savings per flight.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

The FAA's nationwide rollout of SMART may indicate a significant shift towards AI-driven air traffic management, which could improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, concerns about the system's reliability and potential impact on air traffic controllers suggest that its implementation may be closely watched by industry stakeholders and regulators.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Federal Aviation Administration Expands SMART System

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expanding its Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories (SMART) system nationwide, aiming to reduce delays, fuel consumption, and improve the travel experience. The system, which has already been tested in Washington, D.C., uses AI to suggest optimized routes, but does not affect air safety. The FAA claims that SMART has already saved an average of 10 minutes and 80 gallons of fuel per flight. This development was first reported by Ars Technica.

Source | Originally Published: November 13, 2026

Companies Mentioned