Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reveals an ambitious initiative to transform America's aging air traffic control infrastructure.
According to the New York Post, the comprehensive overhaul plan, projected to cost tens of billions of dollars, aims to replace outdated facilities and equipment by 2028, following numerous system failures and a tragic aviation disaster.
The modernization project comes in response to approximately 1,000 weekly telecommunication outages and a devastating mid-air collision at Reagan National Airport that claimed 67 lives in January. The urgency of the upgrade became more apparent after a recent 90-second blackout at Newark Liberty International Airport, caused by deteriorating copper wiring, led to flight disruptions and staff trauma leave.
Duffy's plan includes replacing six antiquated air traffic control centers with state-of-the-art facilities. The transformation involves upgrading 4,600 locations with modern fiber-optic, wireless, and satellite technology, replacing the current copper wire infrastructure that dates back to the 1960s.
The initiative also encompasses the replacement of 25,000 outdated radios and more than 600 radar installations, many of which have been in service since the 1970s. This technological leap would be comparable to upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone, according to Duffy's analogy.
President Trump, during a phone call with Duffy during the presentation, expressed his support for consolidating the project under a single contract. He emphasized the importance of reliable service and acknowledged the families of January's mid-air collision victims.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, under Republican leadership, has proposed a $12.5 billion budget for the system upgrade. The Trump administration has already requested an initial $4 billion allocation for the 2026 fiscal year.
Airlines for America CEO Nicholas Calio demonstrated the outdated technology still in use by displaying floppy disks and paper strips during the announcement. The trade association is advocating for an additional $18.5 billion in emergency supplemental funds over the next three years to expedite the modernization process.
Transportation Secretary Duffy called for upfront congressional appropriations to fund the entire project, emphasizing the need for swift implementation within three to four years.
The modernization plan includes provisions for emerging technologies such as electric air taxis, known as eVTOLs. These "Ubers in the air" will be integrated into a new flight management system, demonstrating the forward-thinking approach of the initiative.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized the critical timing of the upgrade, stating that the current system's problems require immediate attention. The comprehensive overhaul aims to prevent future communication blackouts and enhance overall aviation safety.
The plan represents a significant step toward modernizing facilities like air traffic control towers with updated hardware and software capabilities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's ambitious plan to modernize America's air traffic control system by 2028 represents a crucial response to the increasing failures of aging infrastructure. The multi-billion dollar initiative aims to replace outdated technology, including 1960s-era facilities and equipment, with modern fiber-optic, wireless, and satellite systems. With support from President Trump and industry leaders, the project seeks to prevent future aviation disasters and communication failures while preparing for next-generation aircraft technology.
