AI Air Traffic System Significantly Reduces Flight Delays

A new artificial intelligence (AI)-based air traffic system is expected to significantly reduce flight delays by predicting traffic congestion weeks in advance. The system, named 'SMART' and currently being tested by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), operates by having AI analyze flight patterns to predict congestion. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the SMART system can resolve unpredictable flight operational issues by reducing aircraft bottlenecks with just a few minutes of schedule changes.

The FAA is collaborating with private companies specializing in data and aviation, such as Palantir Technologies and Air Space Intelligence, to build this AI system.

Concerns exist regarding 'hallucinations' with the introduction of an AI-based system. The system is estimated to cost approximately $12 billion, as part of efforts to modernize the nation's air traffic control infrastructure.