Air traffic control run by Compaq computers is safe but inefficient, FAA head says
The FAA head stated that while the air traffic control system is safe, it relies on outdated technology, including Compaq computers from the 1970s and 1980s. Despite recent equipment failures, he expressed confidence in the system's reliability for the upcoming summer travel season. However, potential staffing reductions at Customs and Border Protection could disrupt operations at major airports during this busy period.
- ▪FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford acknowledged that the air traffic control system is safe but inefficient due to its reliance on outdated technology.
- ▪The summer travel season is expected to be busy, with airlines anticipating 263 million passengers between June and August.
- ▪Concerns have been raised about potential reductions in Customs and Border Protection staffing at major airports, which could disrupt travel operations.
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Exclusive U.S. Air traffic control run by Compaq computers is safe but inefficient, FAA head says By Kris Van Cleave Kris Van Cleave Kris Van Cleave Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Read Full Bio Kris Van Cleave May 29, 2026 / 7:01 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google As the summer travel season starts to take off, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration tells CBS News he has confidence in the system, despite hundreds of FAA facilities being run on decades-old technology. "Go back to last summer.
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