FAA Expands FlightLine Surface Awareness System to 55 US Airports

FAA Expands Surface Awareness Initiative to 55 Additional Airports

On November 24, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a significant contract to uAvionix Corporation, marking a major expansion of the agency’s efforts to enhance runway safety. The agreement mandates the deployment of the FlightLine Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) system at 55 additional airports across the United States. This move represents a decisive shift from pilot programs to a nationwide rollout, aiming to equip Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers with advanced surface surveillance capabilities.

The contract stipulates an aggressive timeline, requiring uAvionix to install, test, and achieve full operational status at all 55 sites within 12 months. By November 2026, these airports are expected to possess “radar-like” situational awareness, a capability previously reserved for major hubs equipped with expensive ground radar-systems. This initiative addresses a critical gap in aviation safety by targeting airports that have high traffic volumes or a history of “wrong surface” events but lack traditional surveillance tools.

This expansion is a cornerstone of the FAA’s broader “Surface Safety Portfolio” and aligns with the current administration’s “Brand New Air Traffic Control System” (BNATCS) initiative. By prioritizing commercially available technologies over bespoke, capital-intensive infrastructure projects, the FAA aims to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS) rapidly. The selection of uAvionix follows a series of successful deployments at initial sites, validating the effectiveness and speed of the FlightLine SAI system.

Technological Shift: From Radar to ADS-B

The FlightLine SAI system represents a fundamental departure from legacy surface surveillance methods such as ASDE-X (Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X). While traditional systems rely on primary radar and multilateration to track ground movements, FlightLine SAI utilizes Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data. This cloud-based solution captures precise location data broadcast by aircraft and vehicles, displaying it on a map for tower controllers. This approach allows for a clear, real-time depiction of the airfield, regardless of visual conditions.

A key component of this technological ecosystem is the integration of ground vehicles into the surveillance network. The contract includes the deployment of VTU-20 Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs). These devices are installed on airport and FAA TechOps vehicles, ensuring they are visible to both controllers and pilots. By broadcasting their positions, these vehicles become part of the digital surface picture, significantly reducing the risk of collisions between aircraft and ground support equipment.

The operational advantages of this system are particularly pronounced during adverse weather. Unlike optical visibility, which is compromised by fog, rain, or darkness, ADS-B data remains consistent. Controllers are provided with a “see-through” capability, allowing them to monitor runway occupancy and taxiway movements with high precision. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making speed and accuracy, directly contributing to the reduction of runway incursions.

“The system provides real-time, precise depictions of all ADS-B equipped aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface, enabling proactive management of potential conflicts, especially critical during low-visibility conditions.”

Rapid Deployment and Strategic Implementation

The 12-month deadline for 55 airports underscores a new emphasis on agility within the FAA’s procurement and deployment strategy. Historically, installing surface surveillance infrastructure could take years. However, the FlightLine SAI system utilizes Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology, which drastically reduces installation times. uAvionix has previously demonstrated this capability by completing installations at Richmond International (RIC) and Charleston International (CHS) in fewer than 90 days, with some reports citing a completion time of just 69 days.

While the FAA has not released a consolidated public list of the specific 55 airports included in this latest contract, the expansion builds upon an initial cohort of sites. Airports such as Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), Indianapolis International (IND), and Jacksonville International (JAX) were among the first to receive the technology. The new contract targets mid-sized hubs and airports with complex runway geometries that require enhanced monitoring. Likely candidates include facilities identified in the FAA’s Surface Safety Portfolio that currently lack major ground radar systems.

This initiative is part of a triad of fast-tracked technologies aimed at surface safety. Alongside SAI, the FAA is deploying Approach Runway Verification (ARV), which alerts controllers if a pilot aligns with the wrong runway, and the Runway Incursion Device (RID), a memory aid for tracking closed or occupied runways. The simultaneous rollout of these technologies reflects a comprehensive strategy to layer safety redundancies and modernize air traffic control operations without the extended timelines associated with traditional federal infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The awarding of this contract to uAvionix signals a definitive step toward modernizing surface safety across the United States aviation network. By leveraging agile, cloud-based technologies, the FAA is moving to close the safety gap at dozens of airports within a single year. The successful execution of this 12-month plan will likely serve as a blueprint for future NAS upgrades, demonstrating that safety enhancements can be delivered rapidly and cost-effectively.

As the aviation industry continues to face challenges related to traffic volume and operational complexity, the reliance on data-driven, satellite-based surveillance will become increasingly standard. The FlightLine SAI rollout not only improves immediate safety metrics but also prepares the infrastructure for future integrations of digital air traffic management tools.

FAQ

What is the FlightLine Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI)?
FlightLine SAI is a cloud-based system that uses ADS-B data to display the precise location of aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface to air traffic controllers, improving situational awareness.

How does SAI differ from traditional radar?
Unlike traditional radar which relies on bouncing signals off objects and requires heavy infrastructure, SAI relies on aircraft and vehicles broadcasting their GPS position via ADS-B. This allows for cheaper, faster installation and visibility in all weather conditions.

Which airports are receiving this system?
The contract covers 55 additional airports. While the full list is not yet public, it builds on initial sites like Austin (AUS), Indianapolis (IND), and Nashville (BNA), targeting airports with high traffic that lack existing ground radar.

Sources

• uAvionix