Thales TopSky – America, a modern, cloud-based, air traffic management platform, is Ready for Take Off
Thales has announced the launch of TopSky – America, an advanced air traffic control automation system specifically designed for the U.S. National Airspace System. This cutting-edge platform, built on more than 40 years of air traffic management experience, aims to replace multiple legacy systems with a unified, modern solution that enhances information sharing, decision-making, and controller situational awareness within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Having supported U.S. aviation for over 80 years and operating with 5,000 employees nationwide, Thales possesses the expertise needed to help the FAA transition to a contemporary air traffic management framework.
TopSky – America builds upon TopSky – ATC, recognized as the most advanced and widely deployed air traffic control automation system globally, managing 40% of the world’s airspace across more than 100 countries. The new platform incorporates the latest advancements in automation and resilience, tailored specifically for U.S. air traffic operations. It is designed to improve operational performance, enhance predictability for air carriers and travelers, and mitigate the workload on air traffic controllers, all while adhering to the highest safety standards.
“TopSky – America reflects a new approach to air traffic modernization: leveraging a mature, secure, operationally proven foundation while delivering the flexibility, sovereignty, and customization needed to support the world’s most complex airspace system,” said Rob Geckle, CEO of Thales North America. “Thales is committed to delivering a fast, low-risk pathway for the future of air traffic management in America.”
The platform is designed to assist the FAA in replacing decades of fragmented systems with a unified Common Automation Platform, utilizing artificial intelligence to unify air traffic operations in a modern environment that simplifies processes, enhances information sharing, and improves the situational awareness of controllers. As a cloud-based solution, TopSky – America empowers the FAA to continuously adapt its air traffic management features, while also scaling to meet the future growth and complexity of U.S. airspace operations.
All enhancements, software development, and upgrades for TopSky – America will be executed by American engineers. This initiative is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, expand Thales’s U.S. footprint, and ensure that the platform’s evolution remains in line with the requirements of American air traffic controllers, the FAA, and the broader aviation community.
Thales has been a trusted partner of the U.S. government for decades, collaborating with the FAA, the Department of War, and other critical national missions, which underlines its commitment to modernizing America’s air traffic management infrastructure.
Modernizing the National Airspace System
The FAA has emphasized the necessity of additional congressional funding to advance the modernization of the National Airspace System, focusing on the full deployment of the Common Automation Platform. Progress has been made through the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and continued investment will be crucial for transforming the nation’s aviation infrastructure to support 21st-century growth and meet public expectations for a safer, more efficient, and reliable air transportation system.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defense, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses critical challenges such as sovereignty, security, sustainability, and inclusion.
Each year, the Group invests €4.5 billion in Research & Development across key areas, particularly for critical environments like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Cloud technologies. Thales employs over 85,000 people across 65 countries, generating sales of €22.1 billion in 2025.
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About Thales in the U.S.
For over a century, Thales has provided trusted, secure solutions to customers in the United States, backed by a robust national presence and a highly skilled workforce focused on meeting customer needs. By leveraging substantial manufacturing capabilities, Thales collaborates closely with customers and local industries to tackle complex challenges across various operational environments.
Source: Thales Group (2026-08-12 12:00:02)
