DOT plans to build 'state-of-the-art' air traffic control system
May 09, 2025
US Department of Transportation (DOT) secretary Sean Duffy has announced a plan to build a "brand new, state-of-the-art" air traffic control system. The new system will be "the envy of the world", the DOT said in an 8 May press release. "By replacing the current, antiquated system, the FAA will enhance safety in the sky, reduce delays, and unlock the future of air travel. This plan also ensures hard-working air traffic controllers have a system they can rely on and one they deserve," it adds. The plan will see the Federal Aviation Administration replace core infrastructure including radar, software, hardware and telecommunications networks "to manage modern travel", the DOT states. It is comprised of four infrastructure components: communications, surveillance, automation and facilities. "Decades of neglect have left us with an outdated system that is showing its age," states Duffy. "Building this new system is an economic and national security necessity, and the time to fix it is now. The unprecedented coalition of support we've assembled – from labour to industry – is indicative of just how important it is to this administration to get done what no one else could. The American people are counting on us, and we won't let them down." Some "critical actions" under the plan will include replacing "antiquated" telecommunications with new fibre, wireless and satellite technologies at over 4,600 sites, including 25,000 new radios and 475 new voice switches, as well as replacing 618 radars that have reached end-of-life. The plan also envisages addressing runway safety by increasing the number of airports with Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) to 200. SAI "delivers capabilities to improve controller situational awareness and reduce runway incursions", according to the FAA. Furthermore, the plan involves building six new air traffic control centres for the first time since the 1960s and replacing towers and Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities (TRACONs), as well as installing new modern hardware and software for all air traffic facilities to create a common platform system throughout towers, TRACONs and centres. The plan also looks at "addressing the challenges that face Alaska by adding 174 new weather stations".
SAA probes 'significant' cyberattack
May 08, 2025
South African Airways has disclosed that a "significant cyber incident" earlier this month disrupted its website, mobile application, and some internal systems. The carrier says it acted quickly to contain the breach on 3 May and was able to restore services the same day. It is working with law enforcement and digital forensic experts to determine the cause and scope of the incident, including whether any data was compromised. "The security and integrity of our business systems and the protection of the consumer data entrusted to us remain our highest priority," states group chief executive John Lamola. "Our robust business continuity measures ensured operational stability, particularly for our valued customers. I want to assure all stakeholders, including our partners, customers, and dedicated employees, that we are taking every necessary step to determine the root cause of this incident, strengthen our security framework, and mitigate any potential risks." SAA has reported the incident to the state security agency, South African police, and the national information regulator, and adds that it is "committed to notifying any affected parties directly, in accordance with regulatory requirements, should the investigation confirm a data breach".
Airbus delivers 50 single-aisles and six widebodies in April
May 08, 2025
Airbus delivered 56 commercial aircraft to customers in April, bringing the total for the year's first four months to 192. April deliveries included 27 A321neos, 15 A320neos, one A319neo and seven A220s, data from the European airframer shows. It delivered six widebodies: three A350-900s, one A350-1000 and two A330-900s. In the course of the month Airbus received orders for 11 commercial aircraft, comprising an A321neo for an undisclosed customer and 10 A350-1000s for China Airlines. The China Airlines order had been disclosed on 30 March. No orders were deleted from Airbus's backlog in April.