U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on September 2, 2026, that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed the installation of its 100th Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) tool at air traffic control towers. SAI is a surveillance system designed for aircraft and vehicles on the ground. This deployment marks a key milestone in the agency's air traffic control overhaul, covering nearly half of the 220 airports slated to receive the technology.
The SAI tool is engineered to enhance runway efficiency and support air traffic controllers in maintaining operational safety. Utilizing Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data transmitted from aircraft and ground vehicles, the system enables controllers to monitor surface movement in real time. This capability assists controllers during adverse weather conditions or when aircraft are positioned out of direct line of sight from the control tower.
SAI is now operational at 100 control towers across the nation. Among the most recent installations are Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB), Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL), Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP). The FAA plans to expand the installation of SAI to an additional 44 airports by the end of 2026.
In addition to the SAI rollout, the FAA is continuing the deployment of other agile and cost-effective surface surveillance systems across national air traffic facilities. The agency has tripled the deployment speed of Approach Runway Verification technology, which is now operational at more than 260 air traffic facilities. Additionally, the Runway Incursion Device is currently active at more than 56 air traffic control towers.
