In the United States, an AI-powered air traffic control software, known as SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories), is poised to commence trials in Washington, D.C., as soon as September 21 local time. This will be followed by a phased nationwide rollout. Boasting a contract value of $875 million (approximately RMB 5.882 billion), the software is capable of analyzing a multitude of factors, including flight schedules, weather conditions, and airport runway capacity, to forecast air traffic flow and pinpoint potential conflicts. At present, despite the well-developed nature of the U.S. air transportation system, air traffic management grapples with challenges such as outdated infrastructure and a scarcity of human resources. Consequently, officials from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration are working in tandem with airlines to synchronize flight schedules and facilitate the widespread adoption of this software.
