# AI set to help control some of America’s busiest skies in major FAA shake-up > Source: > Published: 2026-09-18 06:29:00+00:00 # AI set to help control some of America’s busiest skies in major FAA shake-up - Federal officials plan to launch an AI-powered air traffic management system called Smart in the Washington, D.C., area as early as Monday. - Developed by Air Space Intelligence under an $875 million, 12-year contract, the software aims to predict traffic flows and mitigate flight delays and cancellations. - Initially a decision-support tool for unexpected disruptions, the system will eventually map routes and manage traffic days in advance. - The project is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to modernize aging U.S. aviation infrastructure and resolve staffing shortages. - Industry group Airlines for America praised the FAA initiative, though carriers have raised questions about coordination for automated slot management. More bulletins