Elon Musk announced Thursday that he is sending Starlink satellite internet terminals to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), asserting—without providing evidence—that current air traffic control technologies pose a safety risk.
Airlines Dismiss Musk’s Claims
Executives from major U.S. airlines countered Musk’s statements, telling reporters they do not view the FAA’s existing infrastructure as an immediate safety concern. The FAA, which regulates Musk’s company SpaceX, has not issued a direct response but confirmed it has been testing Starlink technology at sites in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Alaska.
“The FAA has been considering the use of Starlink since the prior administration to improve reliability at remote sites, including in Alaska,” the agency stated earlier this week.
FAA Testing Starlink, Evaluating Verizon Contract
According to a report from The Washington Post, the FAA is nearing a decision to cancel a long-term contract with Verizon for communication infrastructure and may shift to Starlink instead. Musk criticized Verizon’s air traffic control communication systems, claiming they are “rapidly declining,” but later corrected himself, citing L3Harris as responsible for the allegedly deteriorating system.
Verizon responded, stating that it is actively replacing outdated air traffic control systems under a multi-year contract with the FAA. “Our teams are collaborating with the FAA to modernize its technology while ensuring safe and secure air travel,” a Verizon spokesperson said.
Lawmakers Question Musk’s Increasing Influence
Musk’s deepening role in federal aviation infrastructure has raised concerns among policymakers. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) questioned whether his involvement in both private-sector aerospace development and federal decision-making presents a potential conflict of interest. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also demanded clarity on FAA staffing cuts under the Trump administration, which affected non-controller personnel.
Growing Industry Concerns Over Air Traffic Modernization
While airlines have long supported modernizing air traffic control, industry groups are urging Congress to allocate more funding for these upgrades. Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, released a statement emphasizing the need for the government to keep pace with private-sector innovation.
Musk’s remarks on aviation safety come just weeks after a tragic air accident—a fatal collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in 67 casualties. The incident marked the deadliest U.S. commercial aviation disaster since 2001.
As the debate over air traffic control modernization continues, aviation officials, lawmakers, and industry leaders will be closely watching the FAA’s next move regarding Musk’s technology integration.
