- FAA to begin SMART platform operations
- $875m cloud-based system
- Uses artificial intelligence to analyse schedules and weather
- Aims to cut fuel burn and improve on-time performance
- Controllers retain responsibility for aircraft separation
The US Federal Aviation Administration will begin initial operations of its $875m (€748m) Strategic Management of Airspace Routes and Trajectories platform by the end of the year. The cloud-based system which sits alongside existing FAA systems uses artificial intelligence to analyse airline schedules, weather, airport capacity and airspace constraints to forecast traffic flows and flag conflicts before flights depart.
It gives controllers and operators a shared real-time picture and has the aim of helping them agree on optimal routes and departure times. The regulator stated that SMART will cut fuel burn, improve on-time performance, speed recovery from weather and congestion disruptions and free up capacity for new airlines, cargo operators and advanced air mobility entrants.
Controllers retain responsibility for aircraft separation. The platform represents an investment in air traffic management technology.
