White House Plans Major Overhaul of Flawed US Air Traffic Control System with Staggering Costs

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has unveiled a multibillion-dollar initiative aimed at overhauling the United States air traffic control system. The proposal addresses aging technology and has gained urgency following a series of deadly incidents and technical failures.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that much of the current system, still operating on technologies from the 1970s, relies on outdated equipment. “We use radar from the 1970s,” he noted, comparing the required updates to transitioning from a flip phone to a smartphone.

The ambitious plan includes the construction of six new air traffic control centers and significant upgrades in technology across over 4,600 locations. These enhancements will involve the installation of fiber, wireless, and satellite systems, as well as the replacement of 618 old radars.

Cost estimates remain unclear, though Duffy indicated it would require “lots of billions” and emphasized the need for Congress to provide upfront funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Increased scrutiny of the system followed a tragic midair collision in January that claimed 67 lives. This incident, among others, has underscored the dire need for modernization. Duffy asserted, “The system we have here? It’s not worth saving.”

The proposal received backing from various stakeholders in the aviation industry, including both airline executives and labor unions. Nevertheless, several crucial details are yet to be disclosed.

Duffy stated the upgrade plan would not involve privatizing the air traffic control system, contradicting earlier Trump administration intentions. Previous efforts to reform the system over the last three decades have struggled to yield significant results, despite over $14 billion already invested since 2003.

Challenges persist, particularly with ensuring the current system remains operational during the transition to new technologies. Recent breakdowns, such as a radar failure at Newark Airport, exemplify the risks associated with outdated equipment. “Without the planned upgrades, those breakdowns will be repeated around the nation,” Duffy warned.

This overhaul, if effectively funded and executed, could finally mark a significant shift in the United States’ air traffic management capabilities, potentially revolutionizing the flying experience.

Associated Press reporter Will Weissert contributed to this report.