By replacing the current air traffic control system, the FAA will enhance safety in the sky, reduce delays, and unlock the future of air travel. The project also ensures hard-working air traffic controllers have a system they can rely on and one they deserve. To meet the ambitious goal of implementing a brand-new air traffic control system by the end of 2028, the DOT and FAA expedited the procurement process and crafted an innovative, first-of-its-kind contract that will incentivize results and hold the Prime Integrator accountable for any missed deadlines and performance issues.
What are we doing?
- The FAA will deliver a brand-new state-of-the-art air traffic control system by the end of 2028.
- This new system will replace outdated infrastructure including radar, software, hardware and telecommunications networks to manage modern travel.
- Project consists of five main categories
- Communications
- Surveillance
- Automation
- Facilities
- Alaska
Why are we doing it?
- Our system is safe but to maintain safety, we slow flights when equipment failures occur
- Flight-delay minutes due to equipment issues in 2025 are about 300 percent higher than the average from 2010-2024.
- BNATCS will provide new and more reliable systems that will reduce equipment-related delays throughout the National Airspace System (NAS)
By the numbers:
- 5,170 new high speed network connections on fiber, satellite, and wireless
- 27,625 new radios
- 462 new digital voice switches
- 612 state of the art radars
- 44 airports will have new replacement surface radars
- 200 airports will have Surface Awareness Initiative surveillance technology
- 89 airports will have new Terminal Flight Data Manager tools
- 435 air traffic control towers will have new Enterprise Information Display Systems
- 113 air traffic control towers will have new Tower Simulation Systems
- 1 new consolidated Air Route Traffic Control Center (first new one since the 1960s)
- 110 additional weather stations in Alaska
- 64 more weather camera sites in Alaska
- 1 new consolidated Terminal Radar Approach Control
What will the Integrator do?
- A single integrator will manage this effort, optimizing workflows which include acquiring capabilities and deploying the new technologies
- Responsible for managing this massive project and delivering it on time without disruptions to the NAS
- FAA held a competitive bid process and conducted rigorous technical evaluations of proposals
- Evaluation factors included experience, cost and track record
- Peraton has a long track record of successfully completing major system integration projects
How is the contract structured?
- To reward good performance and penalize poor performance with significant financial outcomes
- Integrator’s profit is directly tied to its performance achievement outcomes
- FAA will post a contract summary on sam.gov
How will the FAA evaluate performance?
- An Executive Steering Committee of senior DOT and FAA officials will oversee the Integrator’s performance
- Will evaluate the Integrator on schedule and quality
- Includes measurable improvements in NAS performance, cost control, and management including communicating with stakeholders
What are the priorities?
- All the work is critical to ensure the safe continuity of the NAS. Telecommunications, however, is one of the top priorities since it connects the NAS together
- Much of the work will occur simultaneously across the country
- The FAA has not been waiting for the Integrator. It has already begun implementation and has replaced over one-third of copper with high-speed digital fiber
Where is the funding from?
- Congress, through the One Big Beautiful Bill, made a historic $12.5 billion investment in the BNATCS which enabled the FAA to bring on the Integrator and accelerate existing efforts
- Additional funding will be necessary to complete the entire BNATCS program
- $12.5 billion down payment – need additional $20 billion
Download the Brand New Air Traffic Control System Fact Sheet (PDF)
