President Obama signs bill authorizing new air traffic control system
February 15, 2012

President Barack Obama signed a long-term funding bill Tuesday that will modernize the nation's air traffic control system, switching it from antiquated radar to GPS-based technology known as Next Gen, the Washington Post reported.

The law authorizes $63.4 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration for four years, and should quicken the pace of progress toward a new $42 billion system that could revolutionize air travel, experts say.

“This critical effort to shift from our antiquated air traffic control technology to a GPS-based system will improve air traffic efficiency and safety, reduce fuel burn and pollution from aircraft, and bring costs down for consumers," said Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) the chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association also praised the new law.

"This new technology will help reduce delays, give controllers better tools with which to perform their jobs even more efficiently and provide a platform for further technological and safety enhancements," said Paul Rinaldi, president of the NATCA.

The new bill also provides funding for retraining air traffic controllers in a system far different than the 60-year-old one now in use.

Airlines are expected to invest up to $10 billion of their own in the complex Next Gen. system.

NextGen is seen as essential in keeping the U.S. industry competitive with its foreign counterparts and preparing for a projected huge increase in air travel in the next four decades, the story said.