Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has urged for a significant investment—potentially worth billions—in the nation’s air traffic control system. This call follows communication breakdowns at Newark Liberty International Airport that resulted in numerous flight delays and a series of other recent complications.
During a press conference on Thursday, Duffy announced plans to request an “initial budget” from Congress to fund the necessary technology and equipment upgrades.
His proposal includes rebuilding multiple air traffic control towers and modernizing other centers. However, he emphasized that “everything else controlling the airspace will be completely new.”
This new setup involves advanced telecommunications, radios for better communication among air traffic controllers, enhanced radar systems, and tarmac sensors. Duffy noted that a new flight management system will be developed to optimize airspace efficiency.
“Essentially, all the cutting-edge gear for controllers, as well as back-end systems, will be newly designed,” he explained. “All new software, all new hardware, is part of this brand new air traffic control system.”
Duffy acknowledged that achieving these ambitious goals would require Congressional assistance. He pointed out the need for “front” funding, as relying solely on smaller, incremental amounts could hinder progress due to shifting political priorities. Specific cost estimates have not yet been provided.
The department’s plan outlines four key components for infrastructure development: communications, monitoring, automation, and facilities. This initiative aims to replace outdated communication technologies with modern fiber, wireless, and satellite solutions across over 4,600 sites and to update 618 radars that have outlived their useful life.
Moreover, the plan includes establishing six new air traffic control centers, the first in over six decades, along with the installation of new software and hardware across all air traffic facilities to ensure consistent systems.
Duffy stated he would provide quarterly updates to Congress regarding the plan’s progress and expenditure.
“They can assess the modifications made to ensure everything is executed properly,” he noted.
Nevertheless, he raised concerns about the need for reforms to expedite the process, warning that regulatory delays could render the new technology obsolete by the time it’s deployed. He expressed that the current air traffic system is akin to “flip phones” in need of a major upgrade.
“If we implement a cutting-edge system, we can actually receive updates—much like your iPhone,” he asserted. “We can enhance safety and efficiency based on new technological advancements that emerge.”
This announcement follows a chaotic incident at Newark Airport, where air traffic controllers experienced a 90-second communication loss with planes, leading to extensive flight delays and cancellations.
Additionally, controllers at the Philadelphia Center faced issues with radar and communication, complicating their ability to manage flights. Some controllers reported needing time off to recover from the stress caused by these incidents under the Federal Employee Compensation Act.
Duffy’s announcement comes just after a troubling series of near-crashes, including a January incident at Reagan Washington National Airport involving a plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.
At the press conference, Duffy was joined by CEOs from major airlines and family members of crash victims. He also mentioned that recent flights at National Airport experienced changes in course due to unplanned Army helicopter flights nearby.
“This is ambitious. It’s going to be tough, but it is definitely achievable,” he stated.
The proposal, highlighted in a recent White House budget request from Republican congressional leaders, may encounter challenges as it outlines significant cuts to other spending. Nonetheless, President Trump has shown support for Duffy’s initiative.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, was also present, expressing his commitment to securing necessary resources for the department to implement this plan.
Updated at 3:28pm
