The Federal Aviation Administration is working to acquire a stake in a private company that is key to its continued push to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, including using artificial intelligence, according to an internal FAA document reviewed by POLITICO.
In June, the FAA awarded a contract to Boston-based startup Air Space Intelligence. worth up to $875.9 million — for one AI-powered tool to help air traffic controllers manage the country’s skies and an associated system for an FAA nerve center in Northern Virginia to better manage aircraft congestion. The initial launch of the AI platform in the Washington region has sparked concern among Democrats in Congress, who say it should be put on hold until they better understand how it is deployed.
But the document, seen by POLITICO, shows the FAA is looking to go beyond just using Air Space Intelligence as a contractor and also wants to have an ownership stake in the company, which is not publicly traded. It is not yet clear whether a final agreement is imminent.
The FAA said it could not immediately provide comment. Air Space Intelligence did not respond to a request for comment.
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