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FAA Seeks AI Solution for Air Traffic Control

April 17, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

The FAA is developing an AI system called SMART.
SMART aims to predict air traffic conflicts up to two hours in advance.
Palantir, Thales, and Air Space Intelligence are competing for the contract.
The system could be operational later this year.

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Strategic Implications

The FAA's investment in SMART may signal a shift towards predictive air traffic management, which could enhance safety and efficiency. The competition between Palantir, Thales, and Air Space Intelligence suggests a growing interest in AI solutions for air traffic control, which could have significant implications for the aviation industry.

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What Happened

Palantir, Thales, and Startup Compete for Predictive Air Traffic Contract

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is developing an AI system called SMART to predict and resolve air traffic conflicts up to two hours in advance. Palantir, Thales, and Air Space Intelligence are competing for the contract, which is part of a $32.5 billion modernization program. The FAA aims to replace outdated radar systems and recruit new controllers, with the goal of improving air traffic management and reducing the risk of accidents. This development was first reported by The Next Web.

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Companies Mentioned