WASHINGTON, July 4 (UPI) -- The radar system guiding commercial jets across the United States is more than 50 years old and needs to be replaced, the Obama administration says.
President Barack Obama and his administration have embarked on what will become the most expensive national transportation project since the completion of the interstate system, The Washington Post reported.
The Next Generation Air Transportation System will use a satellite-based Global Positioning System network that will save money and time, the Post said.
"It's going to be like pulling out of your garage and all the traffic lights are green," said Marion C. Blakey, president of the Aerospace Industries Association and former administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Called NextGen, the new system will cost between $29 and $42 billion for equipment, software and training by 2025. The federal government and airlines will share the cost.
There are few credible opponents to the plan, with the biggest concern being whether the Federal Aviation Administration can complete the system on time, officials said.
"The FAA's track record on deployment hasn't been good," said Russ Chew, a former airline executive and former FAA chief operating officer. "The FAA could be perfect in meeting NextGen deadlines, but [private investors] are looking at past history."
