uAvionix Corporation has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the company a significant contract to deploy its FlightLine Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) system at 55 additional Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers across the United States. This accelerated rollout commits uAvionix to installing, testing, and achieving full operational status at all 55 airports within the next 12 months, building on the company’s proven track record of rapid deployments for the FAA.
With FlightLine SAI already fully operational at 14 FAA-towered airports in the National Airspace System (NAS), this new award will dramatically expand surface surveillance capabilities, delivering immediate safety enhancements for controllers, pilots, and airport operators. The system provides real-time, precise depictions of all ADS-B equipped aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface, enabling proactive management of potential conflicts—especially critical during low-visibility conditions.
In parallel with tower installations, uAvionix will equip FAA TechOps vehicles at all sites with our VTU-20 Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs), ensuring controllers have complete visibility of ground vehicles in the movement area. FAA is making grant funding available to deployed airports for outfitting additional frequently used vehicles with transponders, further amplifying safety benefits across the board.
Previous deployments have earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from air traffic controllers, who credit the FlightLine system with increased situational awareness for the airfield. uAvionix’s unmatched deployment speed—consistently completing sites in under 90 days despite challenges like weather events—has positioned the company as the FAA’s trusted partner for scaling SAI nationwide.
This contract directly supports the FAA’s ambitious goal to equip all FAA-operated towers with surface awareness technology within the next two years, a cornerstone of the agency’s surface safety initiatives. It aligns seamlessly with the Administration’s strategic vision for a Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) to rapidly modernize infrastructure, reduce runway incursions, and enhance overall NAS efficiency and resilience.
“The Administration’s leadership in overhauling our aging ATC systems is transformative, and FlightLine SAI is a key enabler in achieving zero serious close calls on the surface,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer of uAvionix. “Our scalable solution leverages dual-frequency ADS-B receivers and cloud-based processing to deliver redundant coverage, low latency, and seamless integration—proving that innovation can drive rapid, cost-effective safety upgrades.”
uAvionix, in partnership with Capital Sciences, will manage turnkey deployments for the FAA. As the leading provider of ADS-B surveillance for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, ground vehicles, and now tower-based situational awareness, uAvionix continues to set the standard for NAS modernization. This 55-airport award underscores the company’s flawless on-time delivery record and commitment to enhancing safety from the surface to the stratosphere.
For more information on FlightLine SAI or to inquire about deployments, visit uavionix.com or contact airports@uavionix.com. Details on the FAA’s Surface Safety Portfolio, including SAI, are available at faa.gov/surface-safety-portfolio.
