Air Traffic Control 2.0 – What a $31.5bn overhaul means for aviation talent

October 17, 2025

The United States government has announced a $31.5 billion investment to modernise its air traffic control (ATC) system, the most significant investment in aviation infrastructure for decades. Currently, the system, introduced in the mid-90s, still runs on copper-based networks, which were pioneering at the time but are now widely regarded as outdated, vulnerable and ill-suited to the demands of modern air travel.

American aviation policies often shape international practices, setting benchmarks in safety, interoperability and the adoption of new technologies. And while centred in the USA, this initiative has global significance and will reshape how airlines, airports and aviation professionals worldwide think about the future of airspace management.

For employers hiring in aviation, defence tech and aerospace engineering, and for professionals working in those fields, this initiative could set the trajectory for careers, skills development and recruitment needs over the coming decade.

Why ATC modernisation matters

There are three key reasons for this investment:

Outdated infrastructure – much of the existing US ATC system is still reliant on copper-based networks which struggle to meet the demands of modern aviation. These are being replaced with faster, more resilient fibre-optic technology to allow greater capacity, increased reliability and improved resilience
Rising demand – passenger numbers are climbing steadily again after the COVID-19 pandemic and forecasts suggest that air traffic could double by 2040. Without significant upgrades, existing systems will be unable to cope, leading to congestion, delays and safety risks
Future aviation needs – the aviation ecosystem is becoming more diverse and will eventually need to accommodate drones, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and, potentially, new supersonic jets. This will require systems that are capable of managing complex, high-density traffic that are both adaptable and resilient.

The modernisation programme, therefore, is not merely about capability. It’s about building safety and reliability into global aviation in the face of rapid change and ensuring that skies are safe, flights efficient and infrastructure resilient.

The tech transformation behind the upgrade

This investment will bring forward an array of next-generation technologies, each designed to improve the way in which aircraft are managed and monitored to create a smarter, more connected system:
Real-time flight management software – advanced platforms will enable predictive scheduling and routing, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow
Integrated communications and data networks – aircraft and ground stations will operate within unified systems, creating seamless information sharing and reducing the risks of miscommunication
Stronger cybersecurity protocols – with a reliance on digital infrastructure comes heightened exposure to cyber threats. Enhanced systems will safeguard against interference and data breaches in this critical national infrastructure.

For airlines and passengers alike, the benefits will include fewer delays, more reliable schedules and a smoother travel experience. For aviation authorities and air traffic controllers, the upgrade represents a move towards a smarter, more dependable system, with more consistent communication between pilots, controllers and airport operations and a significant saving on fuel costs.

The skills that this will demand

The shift to ATC 2.0 will create significant demand for technical expertise. Employers in aviation, defence tech and adjacent sectors across the globe will be competing for talent in areas such as:

Systems engineers – responsible for designing and integrating communications technologies and ensuring compatibility with legacy systems
Avionics engineers – to enable smooth aircraft-to-ground data transfer and ensure that new technologies can be deployed across diverse fleets
Cybersecurity specialists – essential for protecting mission-critical infrastructure against sophisticated cyberattacks, both domestic and international
Software and AI engineers – designing and refining predictive traffic management tools, real-time analytics platforms and decision-support systems

The competition for talent will not only be confined to the United States. Engineering and IT professionals with relevant experience and expertise will be in high demand across Europe, the Middle East and Asia as regulators and airlines in those locations modernise their own networks in response.

What does this mean for aviation professionals?

For technical professionals, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and marks a rare occasion to align with one of the most significant infrastructure programmes in aviation history. The career pathways created by ATC modernisation will extend not only within aviation itself, but also into adjacent fields such as defence, telecommunications and IT and creates career upgrade opportunities for people with experience in those sectors. Engineers and specialists with the right transferable skills could find themselves at the forefront of aviation’s digital transformation.

We expect career opportunities to expand in areas such as:

Cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+ which are increasingly valued and give engineers the credentials to protect critical digital aviation networks
AI and data analytics, particularly in predictive modelling and real-time decision tools, which can be tailored to aviation
Fibre-optic communications, especially experience in high-speed networking which is vital for the new digital ATC systems.

For career-minded engineers, upskilling now is a smart strategy. Those professionals who can combine domain knowledge of aviation with these emerging technical skills will be the ones leading projects and shaping standards in the next era of global aviation as well as commanding premium salaries.

The bigger picture

Although led by the United States, the impacts of this programme are likely to be significant and will extend worldwide. Europe is already exploring air traffic harmonisation through its SESAR initiative, while the rapidly expanding markets of Asia will need to adopt comparable systems to manage future projected growth. These regions, as well as the Middle East will need to align with emerging standards if they are to remain competitive.

This could lead to:

Harmonised international safety and efficiency standards, ensuring smooth operations for airlines flying across multiple jurisdictions
Acceleration of new aviation technologies, such as drones for logistics, supersonic passenger jets and autonomous aircraft, by establishing the digital foundations required for safe deployment
Global competition for talent, as governments and corporations race to secure the best engineers and technical experts for their programmes.

For aviation employers and candidates alike, this programme should be viewed as the foundation of a wider transformation in how aviation is managed and resourced.

Conclusion

The US government’s ATC modernisation is more than a $31.5 billion national infrastructure project. It’s a strategic investment that will create jobs, spur innovation and reshape global aviation.

For employers it highlights the growing urgency to secure highly skilled talent in systems engineering, avionics, software and cybersecurity to deliver projects on an unprecedented scale and technical complexity.

For technical professionals it represents an unprecedented opportunity to upskill, reposition and seize opportunities that are emerging in one of the most exciting periods that the aviation industry has seen in decades.

At CBSbutler, we work at the intersection of these changes, helping clients to secure the right expertise for mission-critical programmes and guiding candidates towards careers that align with the future of aviation.

For clients – looking to secure aviation talent who can support digital transformation and future ready infrastructure?

For candidates – now is the time to prepare for the next wave of aviation hiring.

Contact CBSbutler’s Aviation team today.