EMAS credited with stopping two business jets during recent runway overruns

Both incidents are under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated, “Yesterday’s incidents in Chicago and Boca Raton clearly demonstrate the lifesaving value of EMAS technology. These two systems did exactly what they’re designed to do—stop aircraft safely when they go off the runway. This technology is making a real difference in preventing serious accidents.”

EMAS consists of lightweight, crushable material placed at runway ends to slow or stop aircraft that overshoot or veer off runways. As of March 2025, there are 122 EMAS systems installed at 70 airports across the United States. The FAA reports that up to March 2025, these systems have stopped 24 planes and protected 438 crew members and passengers.

Runway Safe manufactures EMAS products that meet FAA standards for arresting systems used during overruns. Its products include EMASMAX—the latest version—and greenEMAS. The FAA has supported improvements at more than 500 commercial service airports nationwide and implemented practical safety enhancements such as EMAS technology at approximately 1,000 runway ends.

Some U.S. airports where EMAS has previously prevented accidents include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Yeager Airport in West Virginia (CRW), Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), and Teterboro Airport (TEB).

In addition to installing EMAS beds as an overrun solution, some airport operators consider extending runways as an alternative safety measure.