DOT, FAA pick company to lead ATC modernization
AOPA, Modern Skies Coalition welcome announcement
Peraton has been named the “Prime Integrator” of the air traffic control modernization effort that began earlier this year. The company will oversee the design, testing, deployment, and maintenance of a fully modernized ATC system.
The December 4 announcement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford marks the next phase in ATC modernization, which received a “strong” $12.5 billion down payment in July, according to Bedford.
“Working together, we are going to build on the incredible progress we’ve already made and deliver a state-of-the-art air traffic control system that the American traveling public—and our hard-working air traffic controllers—deserve,” said Duffy.
AOPA and fellow members of the Modern Skies Coalition—which is made up of more than 50 companies and organizations representing the entire aviation industry—welcomed the announcement.
“This air traffic control modernization effort is long overdue, and I applaud DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford for their leadership,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance. “While the bulk of the work still lies ahead, I am confident that Peraton will deliver an integrated system that uses modern technology to make our airspace more efficient, resilient, and reliable. AOPA stands ready to support these efforts any way we can.”
Most of the $12.5 billion will go toward replacing outdated communications equipment and radar systems, some of which has already been completed. Progress reported by the FAA this year includes:
- Converting one-third of the copper-wire infrastructure to modern fiber, satellite, and wireless.
- Deploying 148 radios across facilities nationwide.
- Installing the first next-generation voice switch at Allegheny Tower in Pennsylvania.
- Adding surface awareness systems to 44 towers.
- Introducing electronic flight strips to 13 towers.
Early priorities include transitioning the remaining copper infrastructure to fiber and establishing a new digital command center to support systemwide coordination as modernization efforts move forward.
Bedford said an additional $20 billion will be required to complete the work.
“This is a long-term investment in the future of air travel, and we’re committed to getting it right,” said Bedford.
The announcement also noted that Peraton will receive incentives for meeting project milestones and would be penalized for unnecessary delays.
The Modern Skies Coalition will continue to strongly support modernizing our nation’s existing air traffic control system rather than being diverted with divisive, costly, and time-consuming proposals concerning who controls the system.
“Despite the need for an upgrade, our nation has the largest, most complex, and safest air traffic control system in the world,” said Pleasance. “Unfortunately, some continue to argue that a private or nongovernment entity would solve our problems, but the reality is that our airspace is far busier and more complex than those countries that have privatized—and those systems face delays, funding problems, and staffing challenges. We need to keep the focus on modernizing our air traffic system and maintaining the gold standard in aviation.”
