U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy visited Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to highlight the transition from paper to electronic flight strips. The change, supported by President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, includes a $12.5 billion investment in air traffic control upgrades, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation release.
The electronic flight strips, part of the Terminal Flight Data Manager under the Next Generation Air Transportation System, improve aircraft management on the ground and are now in use at DCA, one of 15 airports nationwide with the technology. The system provides real-time data, streamlines flight plans, and allows better coordination for airport surface operations.
Secretary Duffy said the upgrades help controllers manage traffic, weather, and other challenges more efficiently. The improvements aim to reduce delays, optimize air traffic flow, and provide a smoother experience for travelers.
