Understanding the impact of NextGen in the airline industry

NextGen is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) current infrastructure program created with the purpose of modernizing the United States National Airspace System (NAS). It aims to make U.S. aviation more secure, effective, capable, predictable, and resilient by transforming its communications, navigation, and surveillance (FAA, 2022). The purpose of this paper will be outlined in three main points. First, we will discuss the importance of NextGen and convey the need for the new structure. Second, we will discuss the impacts of NextGen on the aviation industry in terms of navigation, communication, surveillance, resilience, airlines, the general public, and pilots. Last, we will provide recommendations and future research studies to improve upon Nextgen. This paper should be beneficial for those unaware of the capabilities of Nextgen and what it means for the future of pilots, airlines, and the general public. Demonstrating the use cases of Nextgen, this paper should also be valuable for airlines to better understand future needs and investment requirements and prepare accordingly