Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Unveils ‘Envy of the World’ Air Traffic Control Modernization Framework 

Arlington, VA (May 8, 2025) — Today, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a sweeping plan to replace our nation’s aging air traffic control technology with an ‘Envy of the World’ system. As part of the framework, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will substitute outdated equipment like paper strips, floppy disks, and copper wires for 21st century technology. The plan also calls for the construction of six new air traffic control centers and the replacement of more than 600 radars in a broad proposal to overhaul the country’s aging system.

Jackson Shedelbower, executive director of the Center for Transportation Policy (CTP), released the following statement in response: 

“In 2025, there’s no excuse for American air traffic controllers to be stuck using paper strips, floppy disks and decades-old radar technology. Secretary Duffy’s plan to develop an ‘Envy of the World’ air traffic control system is a long-overdue move that will keep our skies safe for generations to come. Releasing the framework is just the first step. Now, it’s Congress’ duty to greenlight the necessary funding to put the plan into motion and deliver a golden era of air travel safety.”

Secretary Duffy’s announcement comes in the wake of several high-profile safety incidents tied to outdated air traffic control systems. This week, passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport entered their second consecutive week of delays due to air traffic control equipment outages. Meanwhile, President Trump recently labeled the nation’s aviation technology as “very obsolete.”