Air Traffic Control Modernization: Program Management Improvements Could Help FAA Address NextGen Delays and Challenges

The Federal Aviation Administration is improving the safety and efficiency of air travel by moving from a ground-based air-traffic control system that uses radar, to one based on satellite navigation and digital communications.

The NextGen program had a budget of $14 billion through 2022. In recent years, FAA has had mixed success in meeting program milestones, largely due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic.