Why the U.S. Air Traffic Control
System Needs Modernization Now 

Alain Tremblay: 

Welcome to the Aviation Report, a show focused on conversations with the people shaping how aviation actually works. We explore topics ranging from aviation policy and governance to technology and day-to-day operational systems.

I’m Alain Tremblay. Throughout my career I’ve worked across complex software systems, helping organizations navigate modernization, operational complexity, and technological change.

Today’s conversation comes at a critical moment for aviation. Passenger demand continues to grow, infrastructure is aging, and the national aerospace system is being asked to operate more efficiently and intelligently while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes through leadership, data systems, and the organizations responsible for long-term aviation planning.

Our guest today is Dawn Amore, President and CEO of Volanno. Dawn was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Air Traffic Control Association, an organization that plays an important role in advancing air traffic management across the United States.

Through her work, she has been deeply involved in the systems, data platforms, and leadership structures that support the FAA and the broader aviation ecosystem.

In this conversation, we explore Dawn’s career journey, how technology is transforming air traffic management, and what effective leadership looks like during a period of rapid aviation transformation.

Alain Tremblay:

Dawn, before we discuss the modernization program, tell our listeners about your journey. How did you end up leading a company at the intersection of technology and air traffic control?

Dawn Amore:

My career in aviation actually started in rail transportation.

My business partner and I founded Volanno in 2003. At the time, I was working on large-scale IT programs, including efforts to modernize digital platforms at Amtrak. My business partner had experience in aviation, and we realized we could combine expertise from both rail and aviation.

We believed transportation infrastructure could benefit from stronger data systems, better technology, and more efficient operations. Our goal was simple: build a company where we could work on innovative solutions that improve how large transportation systems operate.

Over the past 20 years, our company has supported the FAA and other transportation agencies across the country.

One of our major accomplishments was launching an enterprise software platform used by air traffic controllers for training documentation and operational briefings. The platform was deployed across 313 FAA facilities and is used by more than 18,000 controllers and managers nationwide.

Air traffic control operates as a continuous relay system.

The process begins at the airport control tower, where controllers manage aircraft movements on the ground, departures, and landings.

After departure, aircraft are transferred to a Terminal Radar Approach Control facility (TRACON), which manages aircraft during the climb or descent phases.

Finally, flights are handed off to Air Route Traffic Control Centers, which manage aircraft traveling across large regions of the country at cruising altitude.

The United States operates the largest and most complex airspace system in the world, handling roughly 16.5 million flights annually.

A major issue facing aviation today is aging infrastructure.

Many air traffic control systems rely on technology that dates back decades, including legacy hardware and copper telecommunications networks. These systems are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

The average U.S. control tower is between 30 and 40 years old, and many facilities are operating beyond their intended service life.

As a result, equipment-related delays have increased significantly, signaling the urgent need for modernization.

The FAA previously attempted to modernize the air traffic system through a program called NextGen.

However, the initiative struggled due to several challenges:

• Changing program requirements
• Fragmented responsibilities among vendors
• Unrealistic timelines
• Complex integration with legacy systems
• Insufficient oversight

These issues limited the program’s ability to deliver its intended benefits.

The FAA’s new modernization initiative represents a major shift.

Rather than upgrading legacy systems, the BNX program aims to fully replace core air traffic control infrastructure.

The program includes:

• New air traffic control facilities
• Modern radar and surveillance systems
• Telecommunications upgrades
• New automation software platforms
• Nationwide equipment deployment

The project will involve approximately 74,000 pieces of equipment and is expected to require over $30 billion in total investment.

One major change in the modernization approach is the introduction of a prime integrator model.

Instead of managing numerous independent vendors, the FAA selected a single systems integrator responsible for coordinating vendors, managing interfaces, and ensuring the overall system operates seamlessly.

This model aims to reduce fragmentation and improve accountability during the modernization process.

Air traffic controllers ultimately depend on reliable systems to manage complex operations.

Modernization will affect controller training, operational procedures, and daily workflows. If implemented correctly, new systems could reduce cognitive workload and provide improved decision-support tools.

However, successful adoption will depend on careful training and collaboration with the controller workforce.

Dawn also discussed how small businesses can enter the aviation industry.

Many opportunities exist through federal programs such as:

• FAA small business contracting programs
• eFAST contracting vehicle
• Small Business Innovation Research grants
• Women-Owned Small Business contracting set-asides

Success in this space often begins by partnering with larger contractors, demonstrating technical capability, and building relationships across the industry.