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The Air Current • Will Guisbond

FAA ATC modernization sparks “America first” backlash over foreign-owned contractor involvement

The FAA’s selection and consideration of foreign-owned contractors for work to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system has triggered fresh criticism from U.S. stakeholders. The controversy centers on how national-security and procurement “America first” expectations intersect with needed modernization capacity.

2026-05-11T14:07:58.312996-07:00

AINonline

FAA updates real-time weather analysis guidance after operator feedback, adding backup capability when automated sensors fail

2026-05-11T15:31:42.411031-07:00

Flying Magazine

Collins Aerospace expands Largo, Florida site with $26.5M to boost FAA radar replacement output

2026-05-11T08:26:46.063389-07:00

FL360aero

Denver International runway intrusion: video and federal inquiry into fatal takeoff collision involving Frontier jet

2026-05-10T14:24:40.584370-07:00

News Timeline

AINonline

FAA updates real-time weather analysis guidance after operator feedback, adding backup capability when automated sensors fail The FAA has revised its guidance for real-time weather analysis following operator feedback, emphasizing continuity of information quality when automated sensors underperform or fail. The updated system behavior provides backup coverage so decision-making can continue without relying solely on sensor outputs.

2026-05-11T15:31:42.411031-07:00

FAA updates real-time weather analysis guidance after operator feedback, adding backup capability when automated sensors fail

AINonline

FCC grants Gogo’s classic air-to-ground service users a six-month reprieve while pushing 4G service rollout to Nov. 8, 2026 The FCC has provided a six-month extension for “classic” Gogo air-to-ground connectivity users, while also delaying the start of 4G service to Nov. 8, 2026. The move shifts timelines for the in-flight communications transition and associated regulatory compliance milestones.

2026-05-11T15:31:42.348808-07:00

FCC grants Gogo’s classic air-to-ground service users a six-month reprieve while pushing 4G service rollout to Nov. 8, 2026

The Air Current

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FAA ATC modernization sparks “America first” backlash over foreign-owned contractor involvement The FAA’s selection and consideration of foreign-owned contractors for work to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system has triggered fresh criticism from U.S. stakeholders. The controversy centers on how national-security and procurement “America first” expectations intersect with needed modernization capacity.

2026-05-11T14:07:58.312996-07:00

FAA ATC modernization sparks “America first” backlash over foreign-owned contractor involvement

Flying Magazine

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Collins Aerospace expands Largo, Florida site with $26.5M to boost FAA radar replacement output Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is investing $26.5 million to expand its Largo, Florida facility to accelerate production of commercial aviation radars and defense multi-domain security solutions. The work will support the FAA’s Radar System Replacement Program, including Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM production.

2026-05-11T08:26:46.063389-07:00

Collins Aerospace expands Largo, Florida site with $26.5M to boost FAA radar replacement output

FL360aero

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Denver International runway intrusion: video and federal inquiry into fatal takeoff collision involving Frontier jet Surveillance footage and an expanding federal probe are examining how a trespasser breached security at Denver International Airport before being struck and killed during a Frontier jet’s takeoff roll. Frontier and investigators are reviewing access to the active runway and the sequence leading to the collision.

2026-05-10T14:24:40.584370-07:00

Denver International runway intrusion: video and federal inquiry into fatal takeoff collision involving Frontier jet

Politico

FAA’s AI overhaul of air traffic: agency signals non–safety-critical scope for new Skyward-grade automation The FAA is pursuing a major air-traffic overhaul using AI, according to a company involved in the effort. The new effort is not intended to target “safety critical” functions, signaling a phased approach as the agency pushes AI into operational decision support.

2026-05-09T15:52:24.916833-07:00

FAA’s AI overhaul of air traffic: agency signals non–safety-critical scope for new Skyward-grade automation

View from the Wing

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Frontier Airlines A321neo aborts takeoff after fatal runway trespasser strike at Denver International; engine fire prompts evacu A Frontier Airlines aircraft bound for Los Angeles struck and killed a pedestrian who had crossed into the active runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The A321neo crew aborted the departure after the incident triggered an engine fire, leading to passenger evacuation.

2026-05-09T03:03:43.971976-07:00

Frontier Airlines A321neo aborts takeoff after fatal runway trespasser strike at Denver International; engine fire prompts evacu

politico.eu

Drone attack on Rostov-on-Don air-navigation center prompts airport suspensions and ATC capacity limits in southern Russia Ukrainian drone strikes hit the air traffic control facility in Rostov-on-Don, forcing more than a dozen southern Russia airports to suspend operations and leaving hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed. Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev said engineers will run a 15-hour assessment of the center’s systems, with traffic restoration expected in 2–3 days.

2026-05-08T08:45:02.872307-07:00

Drone attack on Rostov-on-Don air-navigation center prompts airport suspensions and ATC capacity limits in southern Russia

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ATC News

FAA ATC modernization sparks “America first” backlash over foreign-owned contractor involvement

FAA updates real-time weather analysis guidance after operator feedback, adding backup capability when automated sensors fail

Collins Aerospace expands Largo, Florida site with $26.5M to boost FAA radar replacement output

Denver International runway intrusion: video and federal inquiry into fatal takeoff collision involving Frontier jet

News Timeline