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The Air Current • Elan Head

FAA to pick vendor for AI-powered ATC modernization by end of May, with September software deployment

The FAA plans to select a vendor for its AI-powered air traffic management system by the end of May and deploy the software as soon as September. The agency says additional specifics on its air traffic control modernization plans will be released April 21, setting near-term delivery expectations for the program.

2026-04-21T12:20:24.054901-07:00

Flying Magazine

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

2026-04-21T07:56:21.013403-07:00

Associated Press

Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action

2026-04-20T13:51:24.220894-07:00

AeroTime

Qatar QCAA issues NOTAM as Hamad International Airport begins phased restart for foreign airlines

2026-04-20T09:11:01.658238-07:00

News Timeline

The Air Current

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FAA to pick vendor for AI-powered ATC modernization by end of May, with September software deployment The FAA plans to select a vendor for its AI-powered air traffic management system by the end of May and deploy the software as soon as September. The agency says additional specifics on its air traffic control modernization plans will be released April 21, setting near-term delivery expectations for the program.

2026-04-21T12:20:24.054901-07:00

FAA to pick vendor for AI-powered ATC modernization by end of May, with September software deployment

Reuters

Lockheed wins ~$200M U.S. Navy award to integrate PAC-3 MSE into Aegis for the first time Lockheed Martin is set to develop, integrate and test the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor within the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Combat System under a roughly $200 million contract. The program marks the first PAC-3 MSE integration into the Navy’s maritime air-defense architecture.

2026-04-21T11:07:06.890402-07:00

Lockheed wins ~$200M U.S. Navy award to integrate PAC-3 MSE into Aegis for the first time

Flying Magazine

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FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information The FAA is modernizing its NOTAM platform via a “back-end changeover” designed to make critical flight information easier to interpret, improving clarity and communications. The shift targets safer skies by changing how NOTAM content is presented to users, particularly when time-critical operational decisions are required.

2026-04-21T07:56:21.013403-07:00

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

Associated Press

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Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action Two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft came within about 500 feet over Nashville International Airport (BNA) after controller instructions and a go-around maneuver contributed to an apparent loss of separation. The crews took emergency evasive action to avoid a collision, and the event is under investigation.

2026-04-20T13:51:24.220894-07:00

Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action

AeroTime

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Qatar QCAA issues NOTAM as Hamad International Airport begins phased restart for foreign airlines Qatar says Hamad International Airport is resuming foreign airline operations in a carefully phased manner after sustained disruption. The QCAA has issued a NOTAM authorizing returns under global safety standards, with Qatar Airways increasing inbound and outbound activity through Doha as slots and procedures normalize.

2026-04-20T09:11:01.658238-07:00

Qatar QCAA issues NOTAM as Hamad International Airport begins phased restart for foreign airlines

Politico

Reconciliation bill may decide whether DOT secures more air traffic control funding under Sean Duffy A proposed U.S. reconciliation bill could shape the trajectory of future air traffic control funding, determining whether Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gets an opportunity to secure additional resources. The outcome will influence how ATC modernization efforts are prioritized and financed going forward.

2026-04-20T08:07:54.888422-07:00

Reconciliation bill may decide whether DOT secures more air traffic control funding under Sean Duffy

Associated Press

Dominican Republic–Haiti deal to reopen airspace in May, restoring cross-border flights after 2+ years The Dominican Republic and Haiti have agreed to reopen their airspace starting in May, allowing flights between the two countries for the first time in more than two years. The accord follows months of strained ties, setting the stage for a resumption of scheduled connectivity once implementation begins.

2026-04-18T07:57:21.058702-07:00

Dominican Republic–Haiti deal to reopen airspace in May, restoring cross-border flights after 2+ years

FlightGlobal

United hits back at FAA’s now-mandated Chicago O’Hare summer flight cap, calling it “severe prejudice” United Airlines sharply criticized the FAA’s decision to move from proposed constraints to a mandated capacity limitation at Chicago O’Hare this summer, arguing the agency is unfairly picking “winners and losers” amid congestion-driven slot management. United frames the cap as harmful and discriminatory as the ORD reduction fight escalates.

2026-04-17T17:15:26.691043-07:00

United hits back at FAA’s now-mandated Chicago O’Hare summer flight cap, calling it “severe prejudice”

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ATC News

FAA to pick vendor for AI-powered ATC modernization by end of May, with September software deployment

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action

Qatar QCAA issues NOTAM as Hamad International Airport begins phased restart for foreign airlines

News Timeline