United Joins JetBlue, Delta, American, Frontier, And Other Airlines In Transforming Travel Operations As US Government Implements Innovative Common Automation Platform

Published on November 23, 2025

United Airlines has joined JetBlue, Delta, American, Frontier, and other major carriers in transforming travel operations by adopting the U.S. government’s innovative Common Automation Platform (CAP), a unified system designed to streamline and enhance airport processes. This shift aims to reduce wait times, improve passenger flow, and ensure more efficient security and check-in procedures. With the implementation of CAP, airlines like United are embracing cutting-edge technology to modernize operations, meet growing passenger demand, and offer a smoother, more seamless travel experience in the face of industry challenges.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made a bold move to revolutionise the United States’ air traffic control system with the introduction of its new Common Automation Platform (CAP). This shift, aimed at consolidating and modernising existing air traffic control systems, is set to have significant impacts on airlines operating within the National Airspace System (NAS). As part of the FAA’s plan, prominent U.S. carriers, including United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and others, are now tasked with adjusting their operations to accommodate this new platform. The CAP will replace outdated systems like the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), ushering in a new era of efficiency and safety.

What Is the Common Automation Platform (CAP)?

At its core, the CAP represents a monumental leap forward in air traffic management. The new system will unify the functions of ERAM and STARS into a single platform, streamlining the way air traffic controllers manage flights across both en route and terminal airspace. While ERAM is currently used to handle high-altitude flights across 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), and STARS controls flights in Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONs) and air traffic control towers, CAP will integrate these systems into one cohesive solution. This integrated approach will allow air traffic controllers to better organise airspace, improve efficiency, and address the growing demands of air traffic management in the coming decades.

CAP’s key goals include enhancing the resiliency and stability of the National Airspace System (NAS) by enabling controllers to manage increasingly complex air traffic patterns, reducing delays, improving flight safety, and ensuring a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

Why the Change Was Necessary

The current system, which utilises separate platforms for en route and terminal air traffic control, is being stretched thin by the ever-increasing volume of air traffic. The FAA has long recognised the need for modernisation to improve safety, streamline operations, and keep up with the fast-evolving air travel landscape. As the volume of air travel has grown and the number of flights has surged, the old systems have become less efficient in handling the complexity of managing flight data and ensuring smooth operations.

CAP will bring a much-needed solution by consolidating these functions into a single platform, ultimately reducing the chances of miscommunication or errors between controllers managing different sectors of airspace. By implementing CAP, the FAA aims to ensure that the U.S. air traffic system remains at the forefront of global aviation, improving both operational efficiency and safety standards for years to come.

Airlines Affected by the Change

As the FAA rolls out the CAP system, airlines across the United States will have to adjust their operations to align with the new platform. The impact will be felt across both domestic and international flights, as the new system will be used to manage air traffic at all stages of flight—whether in high-altitude en route airspace or during approach and landing phases.

Some of the major U.S. airlines that will be affected by this significant change include:

• United Airlines
  United Airlines, one of the largest U.S. carriers, will need to integrate its extensive domestic and international flight network with CAP’s new systems, ensuring smooth operations across its wide-reaching routes.
• JetBlue Airways
  Known for its strong presence on East Coast routes and in the Caribbean, JetBlue will adapt its growing fleet and operational procedures to align with CAP’s modernised approach, enhancing the efficiency of its flight operations.
• Delta Air Lines
  As a key player in the U.S. and global aviation landscape, Delta’s operations will benefit from the improved coordination CAP offers, enhancing its ability to manage high-demand routes and ensuring a seamless flight experience for its passengers.
• American Airlines
  With its vast network and heavy reliance on FAA services, American Airlines will be one of the major airlines adapting to the CAP system. This will allow the carrier to optimise its flight paths and minimise delays, boosting overall operational efficiency.
• Frontier Airlines
  As a low-cost carrier with a growing presence in domestic markets, Frontier Airlines will take full advantage of the efficiencies CAP brings, especially in streamlining air traffic control processes and enhancing the on-time performance of its flights.
• Southwest Airlines
  Southwest Airlines, with its no-frills approach and extensive point-to-point network, will be able to optimise its flight scheduling and air traffic coordination under the new CAP platform, offering passengers more reliable services and reducing potential delays.
• Alaska Airlines
  Serving key routes along the West Coast and into Alaska, Alaska Airlines will benefit from the improved safety and efficiency CAP provides, ensuring smoother transitions for its passengers and optimising the flow of its operations.
• Spirit Airlines
  Spirit Airlines, another low-cost carrier, will see improvements in the management of its high-frequency routes and increased operational efficiency, thanks to CAP’s modernisation of air traffic control.

These airlines, along with others, rely heavily on the FAA’s air traffic control services, as they operate within the vast and complex National Airspace System. With the introduction of CAP, all of these carriers will need to adapt to the new system to ensure smooth flight operations. This means adjusting everything from flight planning and scheduling to coordination with air traffic controllers during the flight.

The Impact on Airlines and Their Operations

The CAP platform’s integration is expected to impact airlines in several key ways. First, the unification of en route and terminal control systems will streamline the flow of information between air traffic controllers and airline operations teams. This will reduce the time it takes for controllers to provide flight crews with essential updates, such as weather information, conflict alerts, and clearance for route changes.

Secondly, airlines will benefit from improved coordination with air traffic controllers, especially during periods of high traffic, such as holiday travel seasons. The CAP system’s ability to process data more quickly and accurately will allow airlines to optimise their flight schedules, reducing delays and improving on-time performance. Additionally, the system’s enhanced safety features, such as more accurate sequencing and conflict alerts, will help prevent accidents and improve overall flight safety.

However, this transition will not be without its challenges. Airlines will need to ensure that their flight operations teams are trained and ready to work with the new CAP system. They will also need to update their technologies and adapt their procedures to align with the new air traffic control processes. For many airlines, this will require significant investments in training, technology upgrades, and adjustments to internal systems to ensure they can effectively work with the new platform.

The Future of Air Traffic Control and Its Implications for Travelers

For passengers, the implementation of CAP promises a more seamless and efficient travel experience. With the improved flow of information between airlines and air traffic controllers, passengers can expect fewer delays, smoother flight operations, and enhanced safety. The new system will allow for quicker responses to issues such as weather disruptions or air traffic congestion, leading to fewer flight cancellations and less time spent sitting on the tarmac.

In addition to improving flight operations, CAP will also help airlines optimise their routes and schedules, which could lead to reduced fuel consumption and lower costs for travelers. As airlines adopt this new system, they may also be able to offer more affordable fares, improving the accessibility of air travel for a wider range of passengers.

What Airlines Must Do to Prepare

In preparation for the roll-out of the CAP system, airlines will need to take several steps to ensure a smooth transition. This includes:

• Staff Training: Airlines will need to train their flight crews, operations teams, and ground personnel on how to use the new system effectively. This training will ensure that all team members are equipped to work with the updated technology and processes.
• Technology Upgrades: Airlines will need to update their technology infrastructure to integrate with CAP. This could involve updating flight planning software, improving communication systems, and ensuring that all internal systems are compatible with the new platform.
• Coordination with the FAA: Airlines will need to work closely with the FAA during the transition to ensure that their operations align with the new system. This includes collaborating on scheduling, coordinating air traffic control procedures, and ensuring that all parties are prepared for the changes.
• Passenger Communication: Airlines must communicate with passengers about any potential disruptions or changes caused by the implementation of CAP. This includes updating passengers on any new procedures, especially if there are changes to flight schedules, check-in processes, or delays.

The introduction of the Common Automation Platform (CAP) by the FAA is set to bring a major transformation to air traffic control in the United States. By consolidating existing systems into one unified platform, CAP promises to improve safety, efficiency, and overall air travel experience. However, airlines must make significant adjustments to ensure they can adapt to the new system, including staff training, technology upgrades, and closer collaboration with the FAA.

For passengers, the long-term benefits of CAP will be felt in the form of more efficient flights, fewer delays, and a safer air travel experience. As airlines like United, JetBlue, Delta, American, Frontier, and others work to integrate this new system, the future of air travel looks brighter, with improved operations and better service for all.

United Airlines has joined JetBlue, Delta, American, and Frontier in adopting the U.S. government’s innovative Common Automation Platform, aiming to streamline airport processes, reduce delays, and enhance the overall travel experience. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize airline operations and improve efficiency across the industry.

While the transition to the Common Automation Platform will take time and effort, it marks a significant milestone in the evolution of air traffic control, promising a more streamlined and modernised air travel system that will benefit both airlines and passengers alike for years to come.