• Transportation Secretary Duffy calls for a multi-billion-dollar overhaul of air traffic control technology.
• The plan aims for completion within three to four years, backed by CEOs of major U.S. airlines.
• Recent incidents, including serious accidents, have heightened urgency for modernization.
• Duffy emphasizes the need for upfront funding to avoid delays and regulatory obstacles.
• The current system is compared to outdated technology, needing a complete rebuild to improve safety and efficiency.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for a massive investment in the U.S. air traffic control system, proposing a multibillion-dollar plan to address significant issues such as aging infrastructure and staffing shortages. Duffy described the overhaul as an urgent necessity while addressing the media, highlighting that the effort could take three to four years, and noted, "everything else that controls the airspace is going to be brand new," including new telecommunications and radar technology, according to Reuters, The Hill, and NPR.

The announcement comes on the heels of troubling incidents at Newark Liberty International Airport, including severe communication failures that stranded hundreds of flights. Duffy pointed out the need for comprehensive reform, stating that current air traffic control technologies are outdated, comparing them to a “flip phone.” He emphasized the importance of having a "state-of-the-art system," as the existing technologies cannot efficiently support the air traffic demands of today, reports The Hill and NPR.

As part of the modernization plan, Duffy indicated that Congress would need to provide upfront funding rather than incremental allocations, which could slow progress significantly. He stated, "If we build a new state-of-the-art system...we can actually get updates" as new technology becomes available. This will enable the aviation sector to build upon safety and innovation, according to Reuters and NPR.

The plan proposes to replace decades-old systems that rely on outdated technology, like copper wires and floppy disks, with modern alternatives. Duffy's aim to modernize the air traffic control structure is not merely logistical; he insists that it is a safety imperative following several crashes and near misses, including a deadly mid-air collision in January that killed 67 people. This has escalated urgency for legislative support, as highlighted by industry advocates, including airline executives during the announcement, according to The Hill and NPR.

In addressing the gaps in the current air traffic control workforce, Duffy mentioned an ongoing recruitment initiative aimed at recruiting and retaining air traffic controllers, although this initiative is viewed separately from the overall modernization plan. Previous efforts to overhaul air traffic control under past administrations have not fully resolved these deep-rooted issues, as indicated by various reports indicating that many FAA systems are "unsustainable." The GAO has underscored the need for immediate reforms to mitigate safety risks associated with antiquated technologies, according to Reuters and NPR.