The Federal Aviation Administration has unveiled a new AI tool that is aimed to stop delays before they start.
The software is called Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories, or SMART. It's designed to help air traffic controllers reduce cancellations and delays.
It will debut at airports in the Washington, D.C. area, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing industry officials.
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Earlier this month, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy touted the new tool, claiming it has been three decades since the FAA implemented upgrades to its software.
According to Politico, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the goal is to roll the SMART tool out on a wider scale after a 90-day testing period.
The tool uses 200 data streams, including weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics and centralizes them into one platform.
According to the FAA, the benefits don't just include fewer delays and cancellations, but creates more predictable operations by preventing disruptions before they occur and optimizing airspace.
The SMART tool will use it's collected data to respond in a predictive way rather than reactive.
