NextGen is the FAA's comprehensive overhaul of the National Airspace System (NAS). Through NextGen, the FAA is making flying even safer, more efficient, and more predictable with new technologies, innovative procedures, and instantly connected information from departure to arrival. The FAA publishes its overall strategy and timelines for modernization in the NextGen Implementation Plan and collaborates with the aviation community on delivering tangible implementation benefits that align the agency's and aviation community's priorities, which are published in the NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan. Many NextGen capabilities have already been implemented and are providing benefits to the users of the NAS.
NextGen Implementation Plan
The NextGen Implementation Plan (PDF) contains information on NextGen programs and portfolios reshaping the NAS. NAS modernization efforts since 2009 have focused on building new infrastructure and adding initial operational capability to improve NAS service. Current initiatives build on that momentum by adding advanced capabilities. The Plan includes information about mature NextGen infrastructure programs that meet the business case for investment and are in the final phases of development or deployment to deliver new operational capabilities. The Plan also outlines the portfolios that build upon the NextGen infrastructure to provide air traffic enhancements necessary to complete the operational transformation of the NAS.
Implemented Capabilities
Investments in communication, navigation, surveillance, automation, and integrated information management technologies enable improvements throughout the NAS. The FAA leverages these infrastructure investments to complete the operational transformation to trajectory based operations. Capabilities are implemented at airports and air traffic facilities across the country, including the Core (largest) 30 airports listed on the map. Select the airports on the map to see what capabilities are available in your area.
The FAA has taken a comprehensive, cross-agency portfolio approach to NextGen implementation that recognizes NextGen as an integrated effort rather than a series of independent programs. NextGen is transforming the National Airspace System (NAS) through a number of operational improvements. We implement each improvement through a series of capabilities, or increments, that provide individual benefits. Combined, they transform the way we operate the NAS. Work is progressing to deliver capabilities in eight implementation portfolios and the three supporting portfolios of safety, environmental and energy, and infrastructure.
Work is progressing to deliver related capabilities in eight implementation portfolios and three portfolios with supporting activities, addressing safety, environmental and energy considerations and infrastructure.
- Collaborative Air Traffic Management
- Environment and Energy
- Improved Approaches and Low-Visibility Operations
- Improved Multiple Runway Operations
- Improved Surface Operations
- NAS Infrastructure
- On-Demand NAS Information
- Performance Based Navigation
- Separation Management
- System Safety Management
- Time Based Flow Management