National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Stories

Air traffic controllers get 2.8% raise in exchange for workforce reforms

Union representing air traffic controllers

Thousands of federal air traffic controllers received a 2.8% pay raise on October 18, retroactive to January 1. In exchange, they badge in and out of their facilities, a time-tracking change the FAA says gives managers better data.

Updated Oct 17

FAA launches AI system to manage air traffic

New Capabilities

As of September 2026: Has not endorsed SMART

Air traffic controllers at three Washington-area airports started using an artificial-intelligence tool Monday that predicts where congestion will form before delays hit. The system, called SMART for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories, analyzes weather at flying altitudes, airline schedules, and live flight paths in real time.

Updated Sep 21