The FAA has selected Austin-Bergstrom, Indianapolis International, Nashville, and Dallas Love Field as the first airports to receive the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) system aimed at improving air traffic controller situational awareness and reducing runway incursions. Plans call to have SAI operational at the four airports by July, with "scores" of other airports set to receive it by the end of 2025.
SAI, Approach Runway Verification, and Runway Incursion Device are the three technologies the FAA is fast-tracking to improve surface safety. Using ADS-B data, SAI displays surface traffic to controllers at airports that don’t have a surface surveillance tool, the FAA said, noting that aircraft and other vehicles will appear as icons on an airport map depicting runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other areas.
Stepping up runway safety equipment at airports has been a key priority for the agency as it takes a multi-pronged approach to tackle the series of high-profile close calls that have occurred in recent years. “We’re committed to doing everything possible to make our runways even safer,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This cost-effective technology provides controllers with timely and accurate depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the entire airfield in all-weather conditions.”
Other actions range from expanded controller hiring, upgraded tower simulator systems, runway lighting and surface improvements, and regional airport meetings.