The race to fix air-traffic control

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: On April 28, a major technical failure disrupted air-traffic control operations near Newark Liberty International Airport, causing radar screens to go dark and communication with pilots to cease
• Backup systems also failed, forcing controllers to direct inbound aircraft into holding patterns and heightening risks of near misses
• In response, the Trump administration has pledged to accelerate a long-delayed overhaul of the nation's air-traffic control systems

🔭 The context: The U.S. air-traffic control network, managed primarily by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), relies on aging radar-based technology developed decades ago
• Previous efforts to modernize the system have stalled due to political disagreements and funding challenges
• Recent high-profile incidents, including narrowly avoided midair collisions, have reignited calls for urgent action

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: An outdated air-traffic system increases inefficiencies, leading to higher fuel burn and unnecessary emissions from aircraft placed in holding patterns or rerouted due to system failures
• A modernized, satellite-based system could significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint, and enhance overall flight safety

⏭️ What's next: The Trump administration is expected to push forward legislative proposals and funding packages aimed at modernizing the system, potentially privatizing some aspects of air-traffic control
• Industry groups, environmental advocates, and safety experts will closely monitor the details, with implementation timelines potentially spanning several years but beginning as early as late 2025

💬 One quote: "I don’t know where you are," a Newark air-traffic controller was heard telling pilots during the blackout — underscoring the critical urgency of systemic reform

📈 One stat: According to the FAA, the current radar-based system dates back to the 1950s, while air traffic volume has increased by more than 300% over the past three decades

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of United Airlines and its peers Delta Air Lines, and Jet Airways

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