FAA’s Bedford Defends ATC Modernization Delays But Says More Money Needed

Agency leader also would not commit to giving controllers a 3.8 percent raise provided for by legislation.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford testifies during a House hearing on Tuesday. [Credit: C-SPAN]

Key Takeaways:

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford requested at least $10 billion more for the critical Brand New ATC System (BNATCS) modernization, warning that current funding is insufficient and could lead to higher delays and cancellations.
The BNATCS effort faces schedule slips for radar replacement due to supply chain issues, potentially delaying Phase 1 completion beyond 2028, though telecommunications upgrades are ahead of schedule.
Bedford would not commit to a congressionally approved 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers, tying it to workforce efficiency improvements and drawing strong criticism from lawmakers amidst a chronic controller shortage.

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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on Tuesday defended schedule slips in the agency’s air traffic control (ATC) modernization effort. Bedford also asked Congress for “at least $10 billion” more to fund the effort but would not commit to giving ATCs a 3.8 percent raise provided for by legislation passed earlier this year.

Bedford’s remarks before the House Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development illuminated the challenges the FAA faces in delivering what he called “one of the most ambitious and critical infrastructure projects of our time.”