Contributor

Jeremy Kariuki

The FAA is implementing a new system, dubbed Wilbur, to identify inefficiencies across the National Airspace System (NAS) and modernize how flight delay data is used. In a <a href="https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/library-items/Final%20Report%20-%20FAA%20Flight%20Delay%20Data%20and%20Analyses.pdf">memorandum</a> released by the U.S. DOT late last week, the FAA outlined its plan to further implement Wilbur, a data solution introduced in 2022, to automate processes for collecting, validating, and improving data reliability and timeliness.
According to the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization’s Office of Performance Analysis (AJR-G), Wilbur will allow agency users to combine several data systems to access flight data in near-real time. An FAA audit of NAS operations between February 2025 and this month found that “reliance on manual entry, inconsistent reporting of delay causes, and manual data validation reduced the data’s reliability.”
As mandated by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, the FAA assessed the capabilities of its official flight activity and delay data source, OpsNet. Despite numerous upgrades over 25 years, OpsNet “remained an obsolete system that inhibited FAA from fully understanding NAS operations and delays,” according to the memorandum.
To address these shortfalls, Wilbur will automate three major processes: extraction, transformation, and loading. First, the system is used to extract flight activity and delay data from multiple sources into a single integrated dataset. Then the data is transformed through multiple validation and standardization procedures. Finally, the dataset is loaded into one source, maintained in the NAS data warehouse, where it remains available to AJR-G for retrieval and reporting, the FAA said.
Additional data sources, such as Terminal Flight Data Manager, will further enhance AJR-G’s breadth of flight data. According to the FAA, Wilbur will also leverage updated data architecture and cloud-based solutions to provide data to all FAA users in near-real time.
In 2024, the FAA originally estimated that Wilbur would be fully implemented by 2029 with full funding. In FY 2024 and FY 2025, the initiative received partial funding. In FY 2026, the initiative received a total of $22.7 million, accelerating its implementation with an “optimistic” completion by 2028, according to the agency.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

FAA’s Wilbur System To Improve Flight Delay Data Efficiencies

FAA completed an audit to strengthen NAS operations related to flight delays and cancellations

The FAA is implementing a new system, dubbed Wilbur, to identify inefficiencies across the National Airspace System and modernize how flight delay data is used.

FAA’s Wilbur To Improve Flight Delay Data Efficiencies

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The initial radar is installed in Putnam, Oklahoma

FAA Commissions First of New Indra Radars

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Aircraft was en route to KLAX

USAF GV Crew Reports Person in ‘Wingsuit’ at 4,000 Feet

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Dashboard details 10,000 air traffic control projects and tracks progress

FAA Dashboard Provides View into ATC Modernization

Charles Alcock

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Release covers controller-pilot datalink communications

Eurocontrol Issues Datalink Guidelines for Operators

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

More In ATC

FAA Commissions First of New Indra Radars

The initial radar is installed in Putnam, Oklahoma

USAF GV Crew Reports Person in ‘Wingsuit’ at 4,000 Feet

Aircraft was en route to KLAX

FAA Dashboard Provides View into ATC Modernization

Dashboard details 10,000 air traffic control projects and tracks progress

Eurocontrol Issues Datalink Guidelines for Operators

Release covers controller-pilot datalink communications

Indra Group To Build Nav Canada Drone Integration Platform

Initial drone traffic management capabilities expected in 2029

FAA Eyeing AI, Machine Learning To Optimize Airspace, Scheduling

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford outlined vision to move FAA into the future

FAA Cuts 2,000 from Certified Controller Goal in 2026 Plan

New plan suggests a necessary full certified professional controller target of 12,563, down from 14,633 in the 2025 plan

Collins Ramping Up Radar Build with Florida Expansion

New radar production area to be complete by year’s end

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN