OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall toured Indra Air Traffic in Overland Park on Friday, a visit that comes at a time when the aviation industry is working to regain public trust following safety concerns.
"You know, one of the first things I learned as a physician is that when you lose your reputation, you never get it back," Marshall said. "So, the air industry has some work to do."
Indra Air manufactures ground-based air traffic control equipment. The senator observed some of that work firsthand at Indra Air, where he was shown the company's newest technology.
The "Big Beautiful Bill" is dedicating $12.5 billion to the air traffic control system for necessary upgrades.
"It'll also replace 40-year-old radars in the US, and with newer, more capable, more reliable digital electronics," said Bill Colligan, CEO of Indra Air Traffic.
KSHB 41 previously spoke with a former air traffic controller who emphasized that hiring should also be a priority.
"Technology is good and certainly helps, but you still have to have a certain number of controllers in the control tower," said Ralph Millard, a retired air traffic controller.
Marshall suggested that technological advancements could help address staffing concerns.
"We think automating more of that will require less," Marshall said.
Some Americans, like Melinda Ross, have lost trust in the industry.
Ross said she'd rather drive than fly.
"Anytime that there's that sort of an air accident, it’s an eye opener," Ross said. "It makes you really think twice about wanting to get on the plane."
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
KSHB 41 reporter Caroline Hogan covers development across the Kansas City area. Share your story idea with Caroline.
—
