FAA to install runway safety technology at Austin airport [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas — New runway safety technology is coming to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Monday that AUS, Indianapolis International, Nashville International and Dallas Love Field will be the first airports in the U.S. to receive new airfield surveillance systems aimed at reducing the risk of runway accidents. 

The FAA plans to implement its Safety Awareness Initiative (SAI) at those airports by July. More airports will receive it by the end of next year.

The SAI uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data to display surface traffic to controllers at airports that don’t have a surface surveillance tool. Aircraft and other ADS-B-equipped vehicles appear as icons on an airport map that shows runways, taxiways, hold ramps and other areas.

Late last year, the Austin airport also announced a new Ramp Control Programaimed at increasing safety and reducing …