Transportation secretary launching new air traffic controller recruitment and retention program

Plane collides with military helicopter in mid-air near US capital WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy speaks at a press conference with other government officials on the rescue efforts following a collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter in Washington, DC on January 30, 2025. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)

By WSB Radio News Staff

WASHINGTON, DC — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is launching a new air traffic controller recruitment and retention program.

He says the FAA is short by about 3,000 controllers right now.

The FAA will give $5,000 bonuses to all academy graduates and new hires who complete initial qualification training.

Academy graduates assigned to 13 facilities that have faced additional hiring struggles will receive $10,000 bonuses.