WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced a comprehensive plan to build a new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system, a move he says will ensure the nation's skies remain the safest globally while ushering in the next generation of aviation. The initiative, valued at approximately $120 billion over the next decade, aims to replace an "antiquated system" that has suffered from decades of neglect, according to the Department of Transportation.
The announcement follows a social media post by Secretary Duffy on July 30, 2025, where he emphasized, > "Safety is NOT partisan. We will spare no expense to make sure our skies are the SAFEST in the WORLD as we usher in the next generation of aviation 🌎" He also specifically thanked Senator Ted Cruz for his instrumental role, stating, "Thank you @SenTedCruz for pushing this forward."
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has been a leading voice in advocating for the modernization of the U.S. air traffic control system. He has consistently highlighted the need to address technological and structural deficiencies, citing recent aviation incidents and the declining reliability of current radar systems. Senator Cruz has emphasized that the current system is "outdated" and requires significant upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency.
The proposed modernization effort includes substantial investments in new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce development for air traffic controllers. This plan is expected to enhance safety, reduce flight delays, and pave the way for advanced air mobility concepts. The Department of Transportation projects that the new system will significantly improve the overall efficiency and capacity of the national airspace.
Senator Cruz recently introduced new aviation safety legislation, the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, in response to a fatal mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025. This bill seeks to mandate the use of advanced tracking technologies like ADS-B on all aircraft and improve air traffic control oversight, aiming to close regulatory loopholes and prevent future tragedies. His efforts align with Secretary Duffy's vision for a safer and more technologically advanced aviation landscape.
The collaboration between Secretary Duffy and Senator Cruz underscores a bipartisan commitment to overhauling the nation's aviation infrastructure. This initiative comes at a critical time, with increasing air travel demands and the emergence of new aviation technologies requiring a robust and resilient air traffic management system. The focus remains on ensuring American skies lead the world in safety and innovation.