U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces Significant NextGen Milestone
The completion of En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) signals a major milestone, Secretary Foxx says.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced a significant NextGen milestone with the completion of En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), according to a news release from the Federal Aviation Administration. ERAM is a highly advanced computer system used by air traffic controllers to safely manage high-altitude traffic.
"Looking at the future of air travel, we know that there will be more planes in our skies and more people in our airports, and in order to meet this challenge we must integrate cutting-edge technology into our aviation system," said Secretary Foxx. "ERAM is a major step forward in our relentless efforts to develop and implement NextGen. With this new technology, passengers will be able to get to their destinations faster, safer, and have a smoother ride – all while burning less fuel to get there."
The ERAM system drives display screens used by air traffic controllers to safely manage and separate aircraft. It is considered the backbone of operations at 20 of FAA's en route air traffic control centers.
"ERAM gives us a big boost in technological horsepower over the system it replaces," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. "This computer system enables each controller to handle more aircraft over a larger area, resulting in increased safety, capacity, and efficiency."