Islamabad, June 9, 2025: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a critical initiative to modernize the country’s severely outdated air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure, which astonishingly still relies on decades-old technology like Windows 95 and floppy disks.
Numerous control towers across the United States continue to manage flight operations using paper strips and obsolete hardware, raising concerns about efficiency and national safety.
Speaking before the House Appropriations Committee, Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated that the objective is clear: “No more floppy disks or paper strips. The entire system needs to be replaced.” His statement underscores the agency’s commitment to replacing outdated systems that have long strained the U.S. aviation infrastructure.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the air traffic system overhaul “the most important infrastructure project in decades,” emphasizing the widespread bipartisan backing for this critical modernization effort. A newly formed coalition, Modern Skies, has also taken up the cause, using public campaigns to highlight the risks of maintaining outdated systems in today’s high-tech era.
Despite the urgency, the FAA ATC modernization is no easy task. Many air traffic systems operate nonstop and cannot be shut down for upgrades. New installations must be executed seamlessly to prevent disruption and must meet stringent cybersecurity standards to avoid potential threats that could jeopardize national security.
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Currently, the FAA spends large sums maintaining these aging systems, which run 24/7. While patches and repairs keep them functional, the agency admits that this method is no longer sustainable. Although no official budget has been released by the White House, the FAA has initiated a Request For Information (RFI) to attract innovative solutions from tech firms. Several “Industry Days” have also been scheduled to welcome proposals from private sector experts.
Secretary Duffy has set an ambitious goal of completing the air traffic control upgrade within four years. However, many aviation specialists believe the timeframe may be optimistic given the complexity of the task. Still, there is unanimous agreement that after years of delay, modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system is not just necessary—it’s long overdue.
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