The DOT cannot initiate the air traffic control network modernization plan, essential to manage the growing volume of flights and new technologies such as eVTOLs, until Congress releases the remaining funds.

The United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has issued a strong appeal to Congress for the immediate allocation of additional funds, estimated at around $19–20 billion, needed to kick off the crucial renewal program of the national Air Traffic Control -Atc- system (see AVIONEWS). The statement was released earlier today during a press event held at Newark Liberty International Airport, ahead of the imminent travel peak for Thanksgiving.

 Duffy warned that despite the $12.5 billion already approved this year via the infrastructure law, that sum represents only a "down payment" and is not sufficient to start full implementation of the modernization plan. "We are facing the busiest Thanksgiving ever and an equally crowded Christmas. The increase in traffic underscores the absolute necessity of an entirely new ATC system", the secretary added. "Moreover, the imminent arrival of next-generation aircraft, such as eVTOLs and 'air Uber' services, will make it absurd to think of avoiding new delays or cancellations without a radical upgrade".

Obsolete technology

The secretary stressed that the current ATC network still relies on decades-old obsolete technologies, specifically mentioning the persistent use of floppy disks and paper strips. The modernization plan unveiled last May foresees the construction of six new ATC centers and fifteen new towers with integrated radar facilities (Tracon), the largest structural expansion since the 1960s. However, the immediate priority remains upgrading the existing infrastructure, including radars, surveillance systems and automation.

Accompanied by the FAA Administrator (Federal Aviation Administration, the US civil aviation regulator), Bryan Bedford (see AVIONEWS) during the visit to Newark's control tower, Duffy sought to reassure travellers about the system's robustness during the holidays. Despite recent progress in staffing levels and temporary measures, Bedford warned that long-term success depends entirely on replacing the aged infrastructure. He compared the intense traffic of Thanksgiving week to the "Super Bowl" of the FAA, thus underlining the urgency to act.

Government sources have, however, confirmed that the Department of Transportation cannot take the first steps in the modernization program until Congress has unlocked the full requested amount. This delay also hinders the award of the prime contractor contract, for which the FAA is in the final stages of selection.

Secretary Duffy concluded by reiterating that while there is bipartisan support for the project, the window to act is now: "We obtained $12.5 billion to get the process started. We need another $19–20 billion to complete it. We cannot start until Congress gives us the money. We're waiting".

To complete the entire modernization plan, official estimates indicate the need for a total amount between $31.5 and $32.5 billion (obtained from the sum of the $12.5 billion already allocated and the $19–20 billion now requested).