Modern Skies Act Seeks $30 Billion for Aviation

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) has introduced the Modern Skies Act, a proposal for $30 billion in new funding to modernize U.S. Aviation infrastructure. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford are urging Congress to approve the funding, which is presented as a key, bipartisan investment.

Funding structure and allocation

The $30 billion request is divided into three tranches, each worth $10 billion. The funds target three specific areas: digitizing air traffic control architecture, improving airport facilities and runways, and establishing a new grant program for mid-sized airports. The FAA’s new AI-based SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories) system is included in the funding scope for air traffic control digitization.

Industry coalition and prior progress

Nearly 60 aviation organizations are part of a coalition urging Congress to act. The goal is to replace outdated infrastructure and enhance safety and efficiency by completing the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) effort. This effort builds on a prior $12.5 billion allocation approved by Congress in July 2025, four months after the formation of the Modern Skies Coalition.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed Secretary Duffy’s call for the additional $30 billion. NBAA Interim Chief Operating Officer Dan Hubbard stated that the association is united with the rest of the industry in supporting the funding, calling it a national imperative. Hubbard said the NBAA greatly appreciates the significant downpayment from Congress last year but that additional funding is needed for ATC telecom infrastructure, airports, towers, and technology.

Hubbard added that the extra money will help address system outages and transform the nation’s aviation infrastructure to achieve a safer, more efficient, and more resilient system. He thanked Secretary Duffy and the entire DOT and FAA team for significant progress made over the past year. The ATC system serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers daily, and its modernization requires updates at more than 4,600 FAA sites across the country.

On the same day, the Modern Skies Coalition issued a statement supporting Duffy’s call. 'The progress made over the past year has shown what is possible when we invest in modernizing the [National Airspace System], but there is more work to do,' the statement said. It also urged Congress to provide the additional resources needed to sustain momentum and ensure the system has the staffing, technology, and infrastructure to meet future demands.

NBAA’s endorsement and ongoing advocacy

The NBAA’s endorsement was part of a broader advocacy push. The association, which represents 10,000 company and professional members, formed the Modern Skies Coalition with nearly 60 other groups in March 2025 to call for a significant investment in a brand-new ATC system.

Secretary Duffy made his remarks urging immediate action to the Aero Club of Washington. Sean Duffy said: "If you don’t want to do it now, when do you want to do it?"

NBAA and the Modern Skies Coalition will continue to work with the administration and Congress to ensure the deployment of the most technologically advanced air traffic control system and to maintain U.S. Aviation system leadership globally.