The recently opened Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport has received much praise and recognition. However, behind the scenes, the technology used to keep planes in the air is severely outdated and in need of major upgrades. This was evident on April 28 when a communications blackout occurred between air traffic controllers and pilots, causing chaos and delays at one of the busiest airports in the country.

According to federal officials, some of the technology used at Newark airport relies on floppy discs and even used parts from eBay. This alarming revelation has raised concerns about the lack of investment in air traffic control technology over the past 25 years and the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers.

In response to the April 28 blackout, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a program to rebuild the nation’s air traffic control system and recruit more controllers. However, experts remain skeptical about whether this investment will actually be made and if it will be enough to address the larger issue of outdated technology.

The blackout at Newark was caused by a combination of factors, including a runway construction project, a shortage of air traffic controllers, and aging equipment. The failure of critical equipment, such as a telecommunication line and a radar feed, resulted in 65 diverted flights, 150 cancellations, and 350 delays. The impact was felt immediately, with United Airlines cutting 35 daily flights from its schedule and calling for Newark to be designated as a level 3 airport with reduced hourly flights.

The root of the problem, according to experts, is chronic