The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to revamp the architecture of air traffic control systems. The agency’s long-term plan is to replace its separate aging automation systems with one unified platform.
Currently, the En Route Automation Modernization system handles high-altitude traffic, while the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System is used in terminal approach control and towers.
The proposed Common Automation Platform would modernize how controllers receive flight data and move aircraft between facilities. The FAA anticipates the effort will reduce redundancies, cut maintenance costs and limit delays and errors.
As air traffic becomes more complex, the system is expected to adapt more readily to drones, unmanned aircraft and emerging air mobility technologies. It will also need to support modern software tools, including AI, microservices and cloud-based architectures.
The modernization effort begins with finding a company or team that can develop the platform and design a smooth transition strategy that consolidates both systems without disrupting service.
The RFI will be open until Dec. 19 to submit ideas. The notice becomes inactive Jan. 3, marking the start of the agency’s review period as it prepares the next phase of the automation overhaul.
Photo by MELANIO SALOME JR. PECH from Pexels
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