The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is working to improve Alaska’s aviation safety record by leveraging new and emerging technologies. The Advanced Air Mobility Project will address safety concerns highlighted by the 2022 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) analysis of Alaska’s airspace.
AAM is a new sector of the aerospace industry that is working to safely integrate highly automated aircraft into the national airspace.
According to the NTSB analysis, midair collisions in Alaska accounted for 44% of the nation’s total, making it the highest rate in the country. The state is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring safer aviation travel for all.
The AAM contract, awarded to Collins Aerospace (an RTX business), will address current challenges facing Alaska, including the lack of adequate weather observing stations, webcam services, accurate aircraft surveillance, Global Positioning System (GPS) resiliency, aeronautical charting, and communications.
“This is a step forward in modernizing Alaska’s aviation system, and the chance to ensure both safety benefits and economic opportunities are shared throughout urban and rural Alaska,” said DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson.
Alaska faces unique challenges in meeting national aeronautical standards due to its vastness, limited transportation infrastructure, varied landscape, and high installation costs.
With a limited road network, many of rural populations rely entirely on air services for transportation of goods and access to quality healthcare. Improving aviation safety and reliability will profoundly impact these communities and promote transportation equity.
While Alaska’s geography and size present significant challenges, it also represents significant opportunities as well. The state’s expansive airspace and water present an opportunity to safely test new technologies, drone air cargo operations, and new aviation safety procedures.
By working on our aviation challenges statewide, Alaska can create new, sustainable economic opportunities, improve residents’ lives, and bolster national air safety.
In alignment with the evolving State of Alaska Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (FAASI), the DOT&PF seeks to further develop the state’s infrastructure, policies, and processes to support both the short-term and long-term needs of Alaska’s residents and economic growth.
The contract with Collins Aerospace is a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, in which costs will be dependent on available resources.