Following in the footsteps of countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom… the USA’s Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) has indicated that future air traffic control services will be outsourced –  a response to a report where the U.S. Inspector General found that 13 of 23 critical FAA facilities have inadequate staffing.

Expressions of interest are being sought from existing private operators in other nations. While cost efficiencies are expected, the Inspector General did not place a dollar value on the savings.

The ability of a new operator to integrate drone flight oversight is seen to be a critical factor.