President Donald Trump said Thursday the government will move forward with plans to replace the current air traffic control system, calling it “much worse” after what he described as failed modernization efforts under previous administrations. Speaking at a press conference, Trump said “about four” major companies are competing for the contract to install a new, nationwide system.
ATC Overhaul Contract Status
“It’ll be expensive, but we’ll have the best,” he said. “The control towers, they’ll be stripped down to the bone.”
Trump claimed that billions were wasted on past ATC overhaul projects. The new modernization contract is expected to be awarded within six weeks, he said.
The FAA issued a request for solutions (RFS) for a ‘prime integrator’ in late August. The prime integrator’s role would be to manage the planned ATC overhaul, expected to take three to four years. Offers were due on Sept. 21.
As outlined in the RFS, the overhaul would involve two main phases. The first phase would focus on replacing outdated radar, software and telecommunications networks, while the second would focus on new Air Route Traffic Control Centers and a new shared automation platform.
Comments on FAA Flight Reductions
When asked about FAA plans to cut about 10 percent of flights at major airports during the ongoing government shutdown, the president said the reductions were intended to maintain safety.
“They want to make sure it’s 100 percent safe. That’s why they’re doing it,” he said.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Brian Bedford announced the restrictions yesterday, which will limit air traffic around 40 major airports nationwide beginning on Friday.
What, not two weeks?
So when did the RFP go out. Oh, right, there is no RFP.
I understand most of the Centers are going to have ballrooms.
And gold-plated toilets in the bathrooms.
Deflection. How about ending the shutdown and getting the current system back up and running first.