The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to deploy an AI tool called SMART, designed to assist air traffic controllers in managing the congested airspace above Washington, DC. The system, which uses AI to predict air traffic flows and identify potential conflicts, is a first step towards a nationwide rollout covering the vast US airspace.

This move is seen as a ‘right call’ by aviation consultant Philip Mann, a former FAA official. He notes that the risk of such a national-scale system lies in its complexity, with every reduction in scope helping to clarify the uncertainties.

The aim of SMART is to provide a shared view of operational conditions to the FAA, airlines, and aircraft operators, facilitating the agreement on the most efficient routes and departure times. This could lead to reduced fuel consumption, better on-time performance, and faster recovery from weather and air traffic congestion.

However, the deployment has faced some confusion within the airline industry. Anonymous officials expressed concern until the FAA clarified that SMART would not alter existing procedures, merely offering alternative route information through existing systems.