The FAA has chosen Peraton as the “prime integrator,” tasked with overseeing the roll-out of a new air traffic control system.

As the prime integrator, Peraton will coordinate the design, testing, and deployment of a modernized ATC system, representing a major shift from decades of incremental fixes. Peraton will also ensure new technologies are brought online safely and work seamlessly across the National Airspace System (NAS).

Funding for ATC modernization began with $12.5 billion in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

“We are taking bold action to ensure our air traffic system is the envy of the world,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “The One Big Beautiful Bill gave us a strong $12.5 billion down payment to start this modernization effort. But to finish the job — and deliver the safer, more efficient system travelers deserve — we’re going to need another $20 billion. This is a long-term investment in the future of air travel, and we’re committed to getting it right.”

Peraton is a security company that provides technology and services to the government, defense, and the intelligence sectors. It offers a range of services, including cybersecurity operations, intelligence analysis, and support for national security missions, as well as solutions for civilian government needs in areas like air traffic control and health care.

The company’s expertise with integrating complex tech platforms and successful collaboration with federal government agencies has positioned it “well to execute the ATC modernization on an ambitious timeline,” with plans to have it completed by 2028, according to FAA officials.

“This first-of-its-kind Prime Integrator contract is structured to reward good performance and incentivize smart usage of the taxpayer dollar,” federal officials said. “The contract will also penalize unnecessary delays or poor performance.”

Why it’s necessary

While the ATC system is safe, the equipment is old, FAA officials noted.

“To maintain safety, we slow flights when equipment failures occur,” officials said. “The FAA is experiencing significantly more equipment issues today than in the past. The new system will provide new and more reliable systems that will reduce equipment-related delays throughout the National Airspace System.”

As the prime integrator, Peraton will provide centralized leadership to ensure change happens in a coordinated, effective way. It will guide the modernization effort, keep it on track, and support the FAA as new capabilities and technologies are deployed across the NAS, FAA officials explained.

The project includes replacing core infrastructure, including telecommunications networks, radar, software, and hardware.

Peraton will begin work immediately, partnering with the FAA on initial priorities, which include transitioning the system’s remaining copper infrastructure to modern fiber and establishing a new digital command center, FAA officials added.

GA advocates note that air traffic control modernization is “long overdue.”

“While the bulk of the work still lies ahead, I am confident that Peraton will deliver an integrated system that uses modern technology to make our airspace more efficient, resilient, and reliable,” said Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President and CEO Darren Pleasance.

AOPA is a member of the Modern Skies Coalition, which is made up of more than 50 organizations and companies that represent every segment of the aviation industry. The coalition is a united front that “supports modernizing our nation’s existing air traffic control system rather than being diverted with divisive, costly, and time-consuming proposals of who controls the system.”

“Despite the need for an upgrade, our nation has the largest, most complex, and safest air traffic control system in the world,” Pleasance said. “Unfortunately, some continue to argue that a private or non-government entity would solve our problems, but the reality is that our airspace is far busier and more complex than those countries that have privatized — and those systems face delays, funding problems, and staffing challenges. We need to keep the focus on modernizing our air traffic system and maintaining the gold standard in aviation.”

Source: General Aviation News