A $12.5B bill backed by airlines aims to overhaul America’s aging air traffic control system with advanced technology.

Airlines Unite Behind Modernization Push

President Donald Trump’s administration is spearheading a transformative plan to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, long criticized for relying on outdated technology. The initiative, anchored by the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” proposes a $12.5 billion investment as a crucial down payment to launch the construction of a state-of-the-art network for managing U.S. airspace.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the urgency for reform after attending the Paris Air Show, where advanced aviation technology from around the globe underscored the need for the United States to update its infrastructure. Duffy pointed out that countries like France have already achieved more than a 34 percent increase in airspace efficiency after modernizing their systems—a benchmark the U.S. now risks falling behind.

The existing American air traffic control network, dating back to the era of floppy disks, copper wires, and rotary phones, has suffered repeated outages and delays. “Elvis and the Rolling Stones were still topping the charts when our current system was integrated,” Duffy remarked, emphasizing the urgency for change. The outdated setup struggles to accommodate growing air traffic, including drones, air taxis, and commercial spacecraft, pushing the boundaries of 21st-century aviation.

“The systems of the past can’t manage the flights of the future,” Duffy asserted, outlining a plan to retire obsolete equipment and introduce fiber optics, advanced radar, and new radio systems. Recent improvements at Newark, where old connections were replaced and a new runway expedited, serve as proof that modernization efforts can yield rapid safety and efficiency gains.

Industry and Bipartisan Support

The push for a new air traffic control system has united major American airlines as never before. In May, ten airline executives sent a joint letter to Congress endorsing the plan, and more than 50 aviation organizations have joined the Modern Skies Coalition to rally for urgent action. “Aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in the U.S.,” the executives wrote, “but for it to remain so, serious upgrades need to happen now.”

The bill’s $12.5 billion in funding is seen as a starting point for the larger, multi-phase overhaul required to secure the future of U.S. airspace. While additional investments will be necessary, advocates say the initial funding would cover critical needs and prevent further delays and cancellations that have plagued travelers in recent years.

Duffy emphasized that every day without new funding is a day lost for safety and innovation. “Our ability to build a brand-new air traffic control system will define aviation for the next century and keep air travel safe for generations to come,” he urged, calling on Congress to act without delay.

The debate now moves to Capitol Hill, where lawmakers must decide whether to approve the sweeping measure. Supporters argue that the modernization plan is essential to maintaining the nation’s reputation as a global aviation leader and ensuring safe, efficient skies for decades ahead.