September 18, 2026
US airspace congestion will be predicted in advance: FAA contract valued at $875 million
The FAA selected Air Space Intelligence on 22 June 2026 to deploy FMDS and SMART under a 12-year $875 million contract. According to The Wall Street Journal, SMART could launch in the Washington area on 21 September 2026, serving three major airports and routes above 24 000 feet from day one. SMART analyzes airline schedules, weather, airport capacity, airspace conditions and operational constraints to identify flows and conflicts in advance.
FMDS is intended to replace TFMS and forecast congestion hours in advance from flight plans, schedules and current positions. SMART operates alongside existing FAA systems and builds a shared picture of airspace before departure.
How it works. The FAA told airlines that SMART does not change procedures for controllers and airlines, but delivers alternative route information through existing FAA systems. The Washington launch will be the first phase of a rollout across 29 million square miles of US airspace.
Vendor case. In an Air Space Intelligence case study dated 20 November 2024, use of AI at Alaska Airlines is linked to savings of more than 1,2 million gallons of jet fuel.
Next milestone: the SMART launch in Washington on 21 September 2026, after which the FAA plans a nationwide rollout.
