CA, US & World
FAA Begins Rolling Out AI Tool to Help Manage Air Traffic
The Federal Aviation Administration is beginning to introduce artificial intelligence into the nation's air traffic control system as part of a broader effort to modernize how flights are managed.
The new system, called SMART, is designed to bring information from multiple sources together and provide aviation specialists with recommendations about potential traffic and weather problems.
SMART stands for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories. The Transportation Department says the platform combines 200 data streams, including weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow and controller staffing information.
The technology is intended to help controllers anticipate problems before they develop, including congestion, weather disruptions and situations involving multiple flights arriving at the same time.
Rather than replacing air traffic controllers, the system is designed to provide them with additional information to help make decisions.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that distinction during the rollout.
"It's a prompt for a human being that looks at the recommendation from the SMART system and they make a decision," Duffy said. "A human makes the decision."
One example involves adjusting the speed of aircraft to better space out arrivals. A controller could potentially have one aircraft speed up slightly while another slows down, helping manage traffic flow and avoid unnecessary delays or go-arounds.
The initial rollout is focused on the Washington, D.C., area, with the system being introduced at the region's three major airports. The FAA plans a gradual implementation rather than switching the system on nationwide at once.
The rollout comes as the nation's existing air traffic infrastructure continues to undergo modernization. Recent FAA projects have included new surface surveillance technology, radar and communications upgrades at airports and air traffic facilities around the country.
The Transportation Department says SMART is intended to help reduce delays and cancellations by giving aviation specialists a clearer picture of future airspace conditions and allowing them to make adjustments before congestion develops.
The system is expected to be phased in gradually, with broader implementation planned as the FAA evaluates the technology.
Tom Costello reports for NBC News.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 22, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Springs Pride is officially underway and many local businesses are already looking ahead at the major economic boost this annual event brings every year. Our @newsbyalondra will have live coverage at 4:30, 5 and 6 p.m on air and online where she’ll speak to business owners about how they prep for the big crowds.
A federal judge blocked construction of President Trump’s 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery for 14 days, less than an hour after the project won final approval despite hours of public opposition.
Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed called Vice President JD Vance “habibi” during his victory speech. But the Arabic term of affection can have very different meanings depending on the context. CNN’s Leila Gharagozlou explains.
CRIME: Where do you stand on the death penalty? A sweeping decision impacting hundreds of California inmates: Governor Gavin Newsom is commuting the death sentences of ALL 548 people on California’s death row, changing their punishment to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin is speaking out, accusing Newsom of injecting politics into the criminal justice system. What does this mean for California’s death penalty moving forward? We’re following the latest developments.
Watch the Palm Springs Pride Parade LIVE this Sunday at 10 AM on NBC Palm Springs’ Facebook and YouTube channels! Join hosts Thalia Hayden and NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese for all the parade excitement, live from Palm Springs. Can’t make it in person? Celebrate with us online! Livestream sponsored by @DAP Health #PalmSpringsPride #PrideParade #NBCPalmSprings
Honor our veterans and get moving at the 3rd Annual Indio Veterans Day 5K & 10K Run! Join the community Wednesday, November 11, at the Empire Polo Club for a morning of fitness, fun and recognition of the men and women who have served our country. Register now and save $10 on your registration fee with promo code NBCUniversal. See you at the starting line! #Indio #VeteransDay #VeteransDay5K #VeteransDay10K #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
CNN’s Annie Grayer goes inside a ballot-counting center in Mississippi as absentee ballots are counted. Democratic candidate Scott Colom and the state’s incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith are locked in a razor-thin Senate race following Tuesday’s election.
🚨 TWO DISTURBING CRIME CASES IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY. A Palm Desert woman accused of beating her husband to death with a flagpole is expected back in court this morning. Vicky Kim, 65, faces a murder charge after her husband was found dead outside their home at the Enclave condominiums. PLUS: A weekend stabbing in downtown Palm Springs leads to an attempted murder arrest. Police say 38-year-old Francisco Elias stabbed a man in the neck and upper body following two altercations before fleeing in a white Mercedes. The victim has been released from the hospital, and Elias is now behind bars. 🚔 Get the latest on both cases. #CoachellaValley #PalmDesert #PalmSprings #CrimeNews #BreakingNews #LocalNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Will you go to the pride parade this year?
After the Democrats flipped control of both the House and the Senate, victorious candidates celebrated their historic wins in victory speeches across the country.