FAA Deploys Surface Safety Technology at 100th Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration has installed its Surface Awareness Initiative technology at its 100th air traffic control tower, reaching nearly half of the 220 airports slated to receive the aircraft and vehicle surveillance system.
The Surface Awareness Initiative, or SAI, gives air traffic controllers a real-time view of aircraft and equipped vehicles operating on airport surfaces. Using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data, the technology can track movement even during poor weather or in areas that may not be visible from the control tower.
The FAA began installing SAI systems in 2024 as part of a broader effort to reduce runway incursions and improve situational awareness at airports without existing Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X or Airport Surface Surveillance Capability systems.
“Surface safety technology saves lives, and we’re putting it in the hands of more air traffic controllers faster than ever before,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.
The FAA said recent SAI deployments include Ann Arbor Airport in Michigan, Billings Logan International Airport in Montana, Corpus Christi International Airport in Texas, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in Mississippi and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina.
Another 44 airports are expected to receive the technology by the end of 2026.
The FAA ultimately plans to deploy SAI at 220 airports through 2028. Combined with existing surface surveillance systems at 44 of the nation’s busiest airports, the rollout is expected to provide surface surveillance at all airports with FAA-operated control towers.
The agency is also encouraging airport operators receiving SAI to equip vehicles operating on movement areas with Vehicle Movement Area Transponders. The ADS-B-based units broadcast a vehicle’s location and call sign, allowing equipped vehicles to appear alongside aircraft on controllers’ surface displays.
Airport Improvement Program funding is available for eligible acquisition and installation of the vehicle transponders.