LIVE: News conference on US air traffic control modernizations

1960s-era technology still powers US airspace

The current system relies on floppy disks, paper flight strips, copper wires, and fiber networks from the 1960s through 1990s that were supposed to be replaced 25 years ago under the failed NextGen program.

Safety depends on skilled workers, not modern systems

While flying remains the safest transportation mode, this safety stems from highly skilled air traffic controllers and pilots overcoming antiquated equipment rather than robust technology infrastructure.

Largest aviation overhaul since the Jet Age

The project spans 4,600 worksites—more than Chick-fil-A has restaurants—requires 10 million labor hours, engages 50 American vendors, and marks the first domestic radar manufacturing in a decade.

Aggressive 2.5-year timeline with transparency mandate

The administration committed to radical transparency to track progress against the 2.5-year schedule, ensuring the public can monitor whether the build stays on time compared to previous decades-long failures.

Infrastructure funding requires software supplementation

While the $12.5 billion appropriation covers physical infrastructure, Congress must provide additional funding to develop, deploy, and train personnel on the critical software systems needed for full modernization.

Fiber replacement surpasses previous four-year total

In one year, workers replaced 50% of old copper wires with fiber optic cables, exceeding the previous administration's four-year replacement total and resolving the Newark outage issues.

Radio modernization eliminates 1970s static

The FAA converted nearly 270 radio sites and installed 40 voice switches to replace 1970s and 1980s equipment that caused communication static and dangerous short circuits like the recent Potomac facility shutdown.

Surface tracking systems enhance ground safety

New surface awareness systems at 54 airports now track aircraft on tarmacs digitally—similar to AirTags—eliminating reliance on binoculars during fog or weather and preventing ground collisions.

Electronic flight strips replace paper processes

Seventeen control towers transitioned from physical paper strips passed between controllers to electronic flight strips, digitizing handoffs and increasing operational efficiency.

Unprecedented industry coalition formation

The Modern Skies Coalition brings together over 50 competing airlines, unions, and trade associations to collaborate on removing bureaucratic barriers that historically stalled such projects.

Modernization critical for workforce recruitment

Upgrading from 1980s technology to cutting-edge systems is essential to attract younger air traffic controllers who expect modern digital workplaces rather than outdated analog equipment.

Software development promises efficiency gains

Upcoming software innovations detailed by Administrator Bedford are designed to reduce flight delays and cancellations by optimizing airspace management beyond the physical infrastructure upgrades.