The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently announced that four airports in the country, including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), will be receiving new technology to reduce the risk of runway incursions. The Surface Awareness Initiative system will allow air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft and other vehicles throughout the airport, providing a detailed map of their locations.
The primary objective of this surveillance system is to enhance situational awareness for air traffic controllers, ultimately lowering the risk of runway incursions. This announcement comes following safety concerns surrounding the air traffic control tower at ABIA, where several near-misses have been reported in recent years. In January, ABIA became the first airport to receive a tower simulator system to aid in air traffic controller training.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the commitment to enhancing runway safety by implementing cost-effective technology that provides controllers with accurate depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the airfield, regardless of weather conditions. The Surface Awareness Initiative system will be rolled out at the four initial airports by July, with plans to introduce the technology to more airports by the end of 2025.
In addition to implementing new technology, the FAA is also actively working towards improving safety at airports nationwide by increasing air traffic controller hiring, upgrading tower simulator systems at 95 airports by 2025, conducting runway safety meetings, and investing in runway lighting and surface improvements.
