# FAA Launches AI-Supported SMART Airspace Tool

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated deployment of the AI-supported Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) platform in June 2026 under a **$875 million 12-year contract** awarded to Air Space Intelligence. Initially implemented in the Washington, D.C. area, SMART integrates over 200 data streams to predict and manage airspace congestion and weather disruptions, aiming to improve air traffic flow, reduce delays, and enhance operational efficiency. This represents a major modernization of U.S. air traffic control systems with plans for nationwide expansion.

- The FAA and Department of Transportation are leading a significant digital transformation in air traffic management, creating opportunities for contractors specializing in AI, data integration, and aviation systems.
- The long-term contract signals sustained investment in advanced airspace management technologies, encouraging vendors to develop scalable, interoperable solutions.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on AI-driven predictive analytics and multi-source data fusion as key requirements for future air traffic control modernization efforts.
- Airlines and industry stakeholders recognize SMART's potential to reduce delays and cancellations, indicating strong demand for technologies that enhance operational resilience and efficiency in aviation.


**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)

### Vendors
- Air Space Intelligence (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> By fundamentally reshaping how we manage our airspace and preventing problems before they happen, SMART will slash those frustrating delays, reduce stress on air traffic controllers, and lower travel prices.
> — Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

> Combining SMART with ongoing hardware upgrades will help reduce delays and keep airspace open all while maintaining our gold standard of safety.
> — Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator

> SMART has the potential to significantly reduce delays and cancellations during weather events.
> — Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines

### Sources
- [FAA Launches AI-Supported SMART Airspace Planning Tool](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/faa-smart-ai-airspace-management-tool-launch) - ExecutiveGov