Sec. Duffy: ‘President Trump has ordered that I deliver a new, world-class air traffic control system’

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Global Industry News

Sec. Duffy: ‘President Trump has ordered that I deliver a new, world-class air traffic control system’

Policy

Sean Duffy | Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg

By Sky Industry News

Feb 21, 2025

Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, announced that President Trump has directed him to implement a "world-class air traffic control system" and called on American developers to contribute to the effort. Duffy made this statement in a post on X on February 16.

"America deserves safe, state-of-the-art air travel, and President Trump has ordered that I deliver a new, world-class air traffic control system that will be the envy of the world," said Duffy. "I'm asking for help from any high-tech American developer or company that is willing to give back to our country. My door at US Department Of Transport is open to any and all patriotic developers or companies who want to help our country in this incredible, game-changing mission."

According to Duffy, a team from Elon Musk’s SpaceX is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the air traffic control system. The effort aims to provide "safe, state-of-the-art air travel," and he invited American developers and companies to participate.

Sean Duffy on Space X | X (former Twitter)

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The Verge reported that SpaceX representatives visited the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Virginia on Monday. They reviewed the current system and gathered input from air traffic controllers. This visit follows a midair collision over the Potomac River three weeks ago, resulting in 67 fatalities. The FAA has since faced scrutiny due to reports of dismissals of hundreds of probationary employees maintaining air traffic infrastructure.

Duffy addressed concerns regarding SpaceX’s involvement by stating that the FAA regularly provides tours of the command center to both media and private companies. He also mentioned plans to visit the FAA Academy in Oklahoma later in the week to meet with instructors and trainees and assess air traffic controller training programs.

The Trump administration is pursuing efforts to reduce the federal workforce while advancing infrastructure and technology initiatives. The Department of Transportation has described the air traffic control modernization project as a priority under its plans for national transportation improvements, according to The Verge.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's official website, Sean Duffy was appointed as U.S. Secretary of Transportation by President Donald Trump in 2025. A former congressman from Wisconsin, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019 and was a member of the House Financial Services Committee. Before his political career, Duffy worked as a prosecutor and television commentator.