FAA Chief Commits to AI-Driven ATC Overhaul Surpassing NextGen at NBAA-BACE
On the inaugural day of the 2026 NBAA-BACE conference in Las Vegas, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confidently pledged that the agency’s new AI-powered air traffic control (ATC) modernization program will outperform the infamous NextGen initiative.
Addressing a full house of business aviation professionals at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Bedford affirmed the FAA’s comprehensive plan, underpinned by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology and genuine funding momentum. Earlier this month, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) lauded House legislation introduced by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) that proposes an additional $30 billion in ATC modernization funds. This bill complements Senate legislation already underway, supplementing the $12.5 billion Congress approved in 2025 as an initial investment.
The FAA’s innovative system, dubbed SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories), commenced with an $875 million software revamp in September 2026. The initial rollout took place at three major Washington, D.C.-area airports, with plans for a nationwide expansion. The AI-enhanced tools aim to support — not supplant — human air traffic controllers by mitigating airspace congestion and preemptively resolving conflicts.
The NBAA and nearly 60 aviation stakeholders have rallied under the Modern Skies Coalition to support the administration’s ATC initiative. Bedford underscored that this overhaul, unlike NextGen, will yield tangible benefits for both commercial and business aviation.
Source: FlightGlobal – FAA chief promises AI-powered ATC overhaul will succeed where NextGen failed