The US Federal Aviation Administration to Overhaul Air Traffic Automation for Better Flight Safety, Here is the Update

Published on November 22, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is embarking on a significant overhaul of its air traffic automation systems to improve flight safety, reduce delays and ensure the future resilience of the US National Airspace System (NAS). This overhaul is part of a broader initiative to modernize the air traffic control infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the growing demands of air traffic and the evolving complexities of modern aviation.

As part of this transformation, the FAA is seeking proposals to replace its current en route and terminal systems with a unified platform called the Common Automation Platform (CAP). This new system will consolidate the existing En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), streamlining the operations of air traffic controllers across the US.

Currently, the FAA utilizes ERAM and STARS to manage air traffic. ERAM is responsible for managing high-altitude flights across the country’s 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs). It provides controllers with real-time data, enabling the safe and efficient navigation of aircraft through the en route airspace. On the other hand, STARS operates within Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONs) and air traffic control towers, managing incoming and outgoing flights. It issues sequencing instructions, conflict alerts and provides weather updates for aircraft arriving and departing from airports.

The Common Automation Platform (CAP) will replace these two separate systems with a single, modernized platform that is more adaptable to the growing needs of air traffic. This initiative will bring a host of benefits, including improved flight safety, enhanced airspace management and greater efficiency in handling traffic across the NAS.

Why the Change is Necessary

As air traffic volumes increase and the complexity of airspace management grows, the FAA recognizes the need for a more integrated and robust system to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of US aviation. The existing systems, while reliable, were not designed to handle the increased demands placed on the air traffic control infrastructure.

The CAP system will address these challenges by providing a unified approach to air traffic automation. With one platform, controllers will be able to access real-time data, issue instructions and manage traffic flow more efficiently. This system will help reduce delays, improve situational awareness and reduce the likelihood of human error.

The new system will also be highly adaptable, able to accommodate new technologies and air traffic management strategies as they emerge. This is particularly important as the aviation industry moves toward more advanced capabilities such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM) and other emerging technologies that will require a more flexible air traffic management system.

Strengthening Flight Safety

One of the key motivations behind the FAA’s decision to overhaul air traffic automation is to further enhance flight safety. The FAA’s primary mission is to ensure the safety of the airspace and the people who travel through it and the new automation system will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

By consolidating and modernizing the automation platforms, the FAA aims to reduce the risk of human error and improve coordination among air traffic controllers. With CAP, controllers will have a more streamlined and integrated view of air traffic, which will enhance their ability to make quick, informed decisions. The system will also improve the accuracy of weather data, conflict alerts and other critical information that ensures the safety of flights.

Flight safety will also be enhanced by CAP’s ability to handle more complex traffic patterns. As the number of aircraft in US airspace continues to increase, the ability to efficiently manage these flights while ensuring safe distances and avoiding conflicts will be paramount. The new platform will ensure that the FAA can meet the safety challenges posed by these increased demands.

Preparing for the Future of Air Traffic Control

The Common Automation Platform is not just a short-term solution but part of a long-term vision for the future of air traffic control in the US. As air traffic volume grows and new technologies emerge, the system will be designed to scale and adapt to these changes, ensuring that the FAA can continue to provide a safe and efficient air traffic control system for decades to come.

The FAA has already taken steps to modernize its air traffic systems, with previous Requests for Information (RFIs) related to runway safety lighting and air traffic flow management. The CAP initiative is another crucial step in this ongoing modernization effort, ensuring that the US remains at the forefront of aviation safety and efficiency.

The Next Steps

The FAA has announced that it is currently accepting proposals for the development of the Common Automation Platform. The FAA has encouraged interested parties to visit SAM.gov to learn more about the Request for Information process. The agency is also in the process of selecting a Prime Integrator who will manage the building and implementation of this new air traffic control system.

By embracing the CAP, the FAA is taking a bold step toward improving the safety and efficiency of US airspace. The integration of a modern, adaptable automation system will be instrumental in meeting the challenges of modern aviation and ensuring that flight safety continues to be a top priority for the FAA.

As the US aviation industry continues to evolve, the Common Automation Platform will play a critical role in supporting this transformation, making air traffic management more efficient, resilient and most importantly, safer for all who travel through US airspace.