US Airlines Weigh Advanced Collision-Avoidance System Ahead of Potential Mandate, Provider Says

Several U.S. airlines are proactively considering equipping their aircraft with an advanced collision-avoidance system ahead of a potential federal mandate, according to the head of a key technology provider. The move comes as lawmakers weigh new safety requirements following a series of near-miss incidents and a fatal crash.

Proactive Safety Investments

Acron Technologies, which retrofits Airbus jets with the system, is in active discussions with most U.S. carriers, said CEO Alan Crawford in a statement reported by Reuters. Crawford suggested another major airline could place an order by the end of the year, stating, "I don’t think the industry is waiting to see what passes ultimately from a legislative perspective."

American Airlines has already outfitted its single-aisle Airbus fleet with Acron's platform. The technology, known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In), provides pilots with real-time traffic data from other aircraft directly in the cockpit, significantly enhancing situational awareness.

Legislative and Safety Context

While current regulations require commercial jets to have ADS-B Out to transmit their own position, ADS-B In remains optional. Congress is now considering two legislative proposals that could mandate the technology for receiving traffic data.

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The push for new rules follows the January 2025 crash between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter that killed 67 people, as well as multiple near-miss incidents investigated by U.S. safety agencies. The Air Line Pilots Association, a major union, has voiced its support for mandating ADS-B In to help prevent midair collisions.

Carrier Stances and Cost Considerations

The cost to equip a single plane with ADS-B In is in the tens of thousands of dollars, according to Crawford. However, an unnamed industry source cited by Reuters noted that some airlines may prefer to wait for final legislation to avoid potentially having to make further costly adjustments to meet specific legal requirements.

Major carrier positions on the technology vary:

• United Airlines has stated its new widebody aircraft deliveries will include ADS-B In and that it is working with the FAA to install the service on other aircraft types.
• American Airlines has already equipped a portion of its fleet.
• Delta Air Lines deferred comment to the industry trade group Airlines for America.