Austin–Bergstrom International Airport Debuts New FAA Technology To Enhance Air Traffic Awareness

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) introduced new technology on Sunday designed to improve the situational awareness of air traffic controllers (ATC). As the airport handles hundreds of flights daily, new airfield surveillance systems have been installed to reduce the risk of runway incidents.

It comes less than a month after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that an air traffic controller’s incorrect assumptions led to the 2023 near collision incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 and FedEx 767-300 freighter. AUS is one of the first four airports set to unveil the technology this year.

How does it work?

According to the FAA, the new Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) systems will effectively lead to a reduction in “the risk of runway incursions.” Austin local NBC affiliate KXAN reported that the new systems became operational at AUS on Sunday.

SAI utilizes data from Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) to displace surface traffic to ATC at airports without surface surveillance resources. All aircraft and other vehicles equipped with ADS-B will appear as icons on the airport’s map, displaying runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other airfield areas.

Trending Now

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 Departs From Closed Runway At Portland International Jetport

The airline departed safely and continued its flight.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker spoke about the new technology being introduced.

“We’re committed to doing everything possible to make our runways even safer,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This cost-effective technology provides controllers with timely and accurate depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the entire airfield in all weather conditions.”

2023 close call

Earlier this month, the NTSB cited an air traffic controller who had made the incorrect assumptions on February 4, 2023, which resulted in two aircraft narrowly avoiding a catastrophic disaster. A FedEx flight was on approach to Runway 18L, while a Southwest flight cleared to depart from the same runway. Amid foggy conditions, the FedEx crew reportedly saw the silhouette of the 737-700, prompting them to immediately abort the landing. As the 767-300F initiated a go-around, it flew above the 737-700, with a separation of about 170 feet.

The ATC tower is about 4,000 feet from Runway 18L. Investigators found that the controllers had been trained for low-visibility training. Nearly 130 passengers were on the Southwest flight, which was bound for Cancun. If not for the FedEx crew’s quick actions, the incident could have understandably resulted in casualties.

A busy summer ahead

AUS’s new airfield systems come as this summer’s travel season is expected to be the busiest in nearly 15 years. According to KXAN, May was the busiest month ever at the airport, with nearly 2.7 million passengers handled. Only five other times have seen that amount: in June, July, and October of last year and in May and October of 2022.

Photo: stock_photo_world/Shutterstock

The FAA said the SAI is “one of many actions” it is “taking to enhance safety and eliminate serious close calls.” The technology is part of its surface safety portfolio, which also includes tools such as Approach Runway Verification (ARV) and the Runway Incursion Device (RID).

Simple Flying previously reported that Dallas Love Field (DAL), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and Nashville International Airport (BNA) are also set to receive the SAI technology this summer. Other airports will receive it by the end of next year, according to the FAA.

Read More

Dangerous: IndiGo Airbus A320neo Lands Seconds After Air India A320neo Takes Off From Same Runway At Mumbai International Airport

Air India was still accelerating down the runway as the IndiGo aircraft came into land.