FAA rolls out new AI system aimed at air travel efficiency

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Federal Aviation Administration began rolling out a new artificial intelligence system Monday designed to improve air travel efficiency.

The system, called Strategic Management of Aerospace, Routes, and Trajectories, or SMART, is currently being used only in the airspace around Washington, D.C.

How the system works

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the system processes 200 data streams and consolidates them into one.

“We’re actually able to use predictive data to see where flights are going where weather is not just right now, but where weather is going to be in the future,” Duffy said.

SMART uses information on weather patterns, flight paths and schedules to provide insights to air traffic controllers. The system is designed to point out potential issues so flight decisions can be made proactively.

Air traffic controllers currently calculate potential flight issues manually.

Duffy said the system will not make decisions on its own.

“It’s always going to be a human that manages airspace in America, so this tool won’t manage the airspace, but it gives better information,” Duffy said.

Traveler reactions

WTOC’s Julianne Sheehan spoke with travelers at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, where opinions on the system varied. Travelers agreed they want guardrails in place to ensure safety and want humans to have the final say in decisions.

Traveler Eric Marks said he uses AI himself as a tool.

“I use AI myself as a tool, and I know I need to check AI word for word to verify it,” Marks said. “If we are assured that we’re going to have human reviews and so we can be assured that there won’t be issues, yes.”

Marks said he believes AI development is inevitable.

“When the internet was created everyone was scared, now they have the internet in their pocket,” Marks said.

Travelers who were more hesitant about the rollout said they want more research done before the system reaches their home airports.

What’s next

The rollout was announced in Washington, D.C., Monday. The FAA said it is looking to gradually expand the system to other parts of the country, but there is no clear timeline for when that will happen or when the system may come to Savannah.