Modern Skies Act Proposes $30 Billion More for ATC

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has introduced the Modern Skies Act, which would invest an additional $30 billion to update the nation’s air traffic control and airport system.

Key Provisions of the Modern Skies Act include:

• $10 billion to complete digital architecture: Upgrades air traffic controller safety separation tools, builds a more resilient telecommunications system that powers air traffic control, unlocks airspace capacity with new air traffic flow management technology and AI technology.
• $10 billion to overhaul outdated airport infrastructure: Replaces decaying air traffic control towers, airport facilities, and runways.
• $10 billion for a new grant program for transitional airports, which lack access to capital but service between 5 million and 25 million passengers annually.
• Transfer authority to implement the new Air Traffic Control System: Provides the FAA with the flexibility it needs to continue its rapid deployment of radars, radios, electronic flight strips, surface awareness tools, and other state-of-the-art equipment.

The bill has support from nearly 60 organizations that represent every segment of the aviation industry, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

“This bill will give us the funding we need to modernize the digital architecture powering air traffic control, replace crumbling aviation infrastructure, and build world-class airports across the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

“The $12.5 billion Congress provided is a critical down payment to replace outdated infrastructure, but we can’t stop at simply replacing old technology,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “If we do, we’ll have a more reliable system, but many of the inefficiencies built into today’s system will remain. We need to finish rebuilding our nation’s air traffic control system with the technology and automation that will improve efficiency and strengthen the safety and resiliency of our airspace. The Modern Skies Act will allow us to complete this work and fully modernize the National Airspace System.”

The Modern Skies Act is the third pillar of the administration’s plan to update air traffic control. It builds on the $12.5 billion down payment from the Working Families Tax Cut that has deployed modern air traffic control equipment, including the recent rollout of SMART — Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories — an AI tool to manage air traffic control.

For more information: FAA.gov, Schmitt.Senate.gov