ATLANTA — Air traffic controllers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are now using a new digital system to track aircraft, replacing paper records that have been used for decades.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says the airport has switched to electronic flight strips, becoming the 26th airport in the country to adopt the technology.

The new system provides controllers with real-time flight information, allowing them to monitor aircraft and coordinate movements on the ground.

It also allows controllers to make quicker adjustments when weather conditions change or runways close.

Paper flight strips have been used in air traffic control for nearly a century. Federal officials hope the transition to digital technology will improve efficiency and reduce the risk of errors.

The upgrade comes as recent near misses, equipment outages and other incidents have raised concerns about aging air traffic control systems at airports across the country.

The changes are part of a $12.5 billion federal modernization program aimed at improving aviation safety and reducing delays.

The program also includes upgrades to radar systems, radios and network infrastructure at major airports nationwide.

The FAA plans to install electronic flight strip technology at 89 airport towers by the end of 2028.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Rob Archer contributed to this story.