FAA's SMART AI to Pilot Slow Roll toward Smoother Skies

The FAA plans a cautious, limited rollout of SMART, an AI tool that will generate alternative flight routes and forecast weather impacts to ease airspace congestion. The 90-day testing phase at the DC-area airports will feed into existing systems rather than changing day-to-day procedures, addressing industry concerns of disruption. The effort is part of a broader, $875 million, 12-year modernization contract, with airlines and executives showing measured optimism after recent talks with FAA leadership.