Major U.S. airlines are considering upgrading their fleets with an optional cockpit safety system to prevent mid-air collisions, moving ahead of potential federal mandates following a deadly January 2025 aviation accident. According to Alan Crawford, CEO of Acron Technologies, carriers are actively discussing equipment orders despite ongoing deliberations in Congress over new safety laws.
The push for enhanced collision avoidance technology follows a collision in January 2025 between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that resulted in 67 fatalities. In response to the tragedy, U.S. lawmakers are evaluating two legislative proposals that could make the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) system a legal requirement for commercial aircraft.
“I don’t think the industry is waiting to see what ultimately gets adopted from a legislative standpoint,” Crawford said, according to industry reports. He noted that Acron, which previously equipped American Airlines’ Airbus single-aisle fleet with the ADS-B In platform, is in active talks with multiple U.S. carriers and anticipates new orders before the end of the year.
Understanding ADS-B In Technology and Industry Costs
While U.S. commercial airliners are already required to carry ADS-B Out equipment to broadcast their position, ADS-B In remains an optional capability. The system allows flight crews to receive real-time traffic broadcasts directly in the cockpit from surrounding aircraft, significantly boosting situational awareness.
Upgrading an aircraft with the technology requires a financial commitment of several tens of thousands of dollars per plane, according to Crawford. This cost factor divides industry players. While some airlines move forward, an industry source indicated that certain carriers prefer to wait for formal legislation before investing to avoid potential additional costs to comply with legal requirements.
Airline Strategies and Upcoming Cockpit Safety Upgrades
Adoption strategies vary significantly among major U.S. carriers. United Airlines announced that its incoming widebody aircraft deliveries will feature ADS-B In integration. The carrier stated it is actively collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other industry partners to bring the service to additional aircraft types in its fleet.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines directed inquiries regarding the safety equipment to Airlines for America, the trade association representing major U.S. carriers, which was not immediately available for comment. On the labor side, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) voiced strong support for a congressional mandate requiring ADS-B In to give pilots better tools for collision avoidance.
Beyond ADS-B In, additional cockpit safety tools are nearing regulatory milestones. Honeywell Aerospace expects certification for its SURF-A software by the end of this year. The specialized cockpit software is designed specifically to prevent runway collisions, marking another step forward as aviation stakeholders address safety concerns across U.S. airspace.