The Trump administration plans to invest billions to modernize the U.S.’s outdated air traffic control system. However, this effort is challenged by a leadership exodus at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), driven by the administration’s own policies. A recent crisis at Newark Airport highlighted the dangers of an aging system, with communications failures causing significant disruptions. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy is set to announce a plan to replace old equipment with modern technology. Yet, this initiative faces complications due to the departure of key FAA leaders, partly influenced by Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service cuts. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds Verizon’s role in the system upgrade, as Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service has been proposed as an alternative. Despite these challenges, the FAA insists it can manage staff turnover and deliver on the modernization plan. \n— new from The Washington Post
