FAA to Deploy AI System 'Smart' for Air Traffic Management in 2026

The FAA announced it will introduce an artificial‑intelligence platform called Smart—Strategic Management of Airspace Routes and Trajectories—by as early as 2026. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize the United States’ air‑traffic‑control infrastructure. Smart will analyze flight data in real time and recommend optimal routing and trajectory adjustments to controllers. By automating routine decision‑making, the system is expected to reduce the workload on air‑traffic controllers and improve the efficiency of airspace usage. The FAA said the rollout will begin with a pilot phase before full deployment. The initiative follows years of investment in digital tools designed to keep the U. S. aviation system safe and capable of handling growing traffic volumes.