Preparing for the next wave of Air Traffic

The FAA, NASA, and air-traffic-management system suppliers look to step up efforts and technology developments to enhance capacity of the National Air Space system.

As the industry tries to regroup from the September 11 terrorist attacks and continuing economic difficulties, the topic of air-traffic capacity has been placed on the back burner by most in the aviation profession in favor of heightened airport and aircraft security. Another threat to the air-traffic capacity enhancement movement is the economic hardships experienced by many airlines and air-framers. These financial difficulties have caused many aerospace companies to shift much of their focus to survival rather than improvements to the air-traffic system. Many will be unable or unwilling to purchase new equipment for their aircraft in support of improved air-traffic capacity.

Although there is justification for the recent concerns over air security and industry finances, the industry must not forget that it was on the verge of air-traffic capacity crisis only a half year ago. Addressing air-traffic capacity will neither impact improving security nor create a financial burden on struggling airlines. Many industry experts believe that the capacity issue can be dealt with via infrastructure changes rather than a host of expensive technology developments. The FAA is using a combination of technology and infrastructure enhancements.