Photo: Shutterstock A new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would provide $30 billion for upgrades to the country's air traffic control system, airport infrastructure and other aviation facilities.
The Modern Skies Act was introduced on September 28 by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy joining Schmitt to call for Congress to approve the legislation.
The proposal would divide the $30 billion into three $10 billion funding packages. One would focus on the digital systems used by air traffic controllers, another on aging airport infrastructure, and the third on a new grant program for certain airports handling between 5 million and 25 million passengers a year.
The digital modernization funding would support upgrades to controller safety separation tools, telecommunications infrastructure and air traffic flow management technology.
The bill also calls for the use of AI-supported data capabilities and would give the Federal Aviation Administration greater flexibility to deploy equipment including radars, radios, electronic flight strips and surface-awareness systems.
A further $10 billion would target aging air traffic control towers, airport facilities and runways.
The final $10 billion would establish a pilot grant program for airports that handle between 5 million and 25 million passengers annually but have limited access to capital for infrastructure improvements.
The proposal follows $12.5 billion in funding previously provided for air traffic control modernization. The Department of Transportation says that money is being used for projects including telecommunications upgrades, new radios and radar equipment, with the current modernization program scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
The bill has backing from aviation organizations including Airlines for America, the Air Line Pilots Association, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the American Association of Airport Executives and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
The legislation is now before Congress and would require congressional approval before the proposed funding could be provided.