FAA Unveils Bold Plan to Hire and Modernize U.S. Air Traffic Control

The FAA released its 2026 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan to close staffing gaps and modernize the National Airspace System through three pillars: hiring expansion, efficiency improvements, and system modernization. It targets 12,563 Certified Professional Controllers, with 2,200–2,400 new hires yearly through 2026–2028, and expands AT-CTI training programs. The plan introduces a data-driven staffing model, automated scheduling, facility-hours optimization, and AI-based simulations to reduce overtime and fatigue, accelerate training, and improve airspace management, supported by NATCA collaboration and ongoing technology upgrades across the NAS.