FAA Taps Air Space Intelligence for Airspace Modernization

What happened

In June 2026, the FAA named Air Space Intelligence as the provider for two new systems—SMART (System Management and Resource Tool) and FMDS (Flight Management Data Service)—designed to improve strategic planning around weather disruptions, airport capacity constraints, and airspace congestion.

Why it matters

The FAA acknowledges that 'the way we plan the airspace today is not enough for tomorrow.' Commercial aviation, cargo operations, and Advanced Air Mobility vehicles are all expected to increase demand on the airspace system. While the new platform does not immediately affect drone operators, it reflects the agency's shift toward data-driven, predictive tools—an approach industry stakeholders view as necessary for long-term integration of drones and other emerging aircraft into a more crowded airspace.

What to watch

The SMART program is focused on the FAA's broader ability to manage the National Airspace System picture, rather than replacing existing drone initiatives like UTM (UAS Traffic Management) or ongoing BVLOS rulemaking efforts. The modernization effort may signal how the agency intends to coordinate multiple aircraft types—traditional, cargo, and unmanned—as demand grows in the years ahead.