The Future of Air Traffic Control Environments

The Challenge Facing FAA Facilities

The FAA oversees 377 control towers and 21 en route centers, most of them built more than sixty years ago. At the historic pace of replacing just one tower per year, it would take more than 300 years to refresh the system. Even under BNATCS, which accelerates replacement to four or five towers annually, the timeline stretches to 80 years.

The 21 Air Route Traffic Control Centers that guide high altitude traffic average 63 years of age. These facilities were originally placed to match the limits of legacy technology but now face urgent needs for consolidation and modernization.

Aging infrastructure leaves controllers working in outdated layouts with obstructed sightlines, poor ergonomics, and consoles not designed for modern surveillance and communication systems. The challenge is clear. The FAA must sustain safe and efficient operations in facilities that cannot pause, even as they are rebuilt for the future.

Supporting the FAA Mission to Replace, Modernize, and Sustain the National Airspace System

The FAA Facilities and Engineering Services mission is to replace facilities when required, complete modernization already underway, and sustain existing structures at a functionally acceptable level. This mandate covers more than 13,000 facilities across the National Airspace System (NAS). It includes ATCTs, TRACONs, ARTCCs, CERAPs, Combined Control Facilities, and specialized training environments such as Tower Simulators and Enhanced Target Generator (ETG) labs.

Evans supports this mission with console systems engineered for continuous operation, compliance with seismic and environmental standards, and long term adaptability. Our designs are modular and extensible, ensuring that new technologies such as IP voice switches, advanced displays, and surveillance systems can be integrated without disrupting service.

By aligning with the FAA Capital Investment Plan (CIP), Evans helps agencies achieve their modernization objectives while sustaining reliable operations, strengthening the resilience of the NAS today and preparing it for decades ahead.

How Evans turns constraints into a workable modernization plan

The FAA must sustain live operations in aging facilities while handling growing traffic demands. Evans delivers modernization that works within these realities. We design for controllers, integrate with FAA programs, and build solutions that adapt to the future.

Design that restores performance
Evans begins with detailed site surveys that capture real conditions inside towers, TRACONs, and centers. We map floorplans, sightlines, cable runs, and ergonomics so designs reflect how controllers actually work

Staged and tested before installation
Every solution is built and validated in our facilities first, where consoles are staged with equipment and adjustments made before they ever reach the site. This minimizes on-site disruption and ensures upgrades fit perfectly the first time.

Seamless delivery inside live facilities
Our teams coordinate with FAA program managers and local leadership, so installations happen while facilities remain live. Work is scheduled and phased so controllers stay operational, avoiding service interruptions during modernization.

Consoles built for FAA
• ATC slatwall consoles provide flexible mounting for displays and equipment with room for future upgrades
• TRACON consoles deliver radar centric layouts designed for high traffic environments and seamless integration of technology
• Tower consoles maximize line of sight across runways and aprons while integrating communications and surveillance systems

Evans provides the FAA with environments that meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Our solutions create workspaces that support controller focus, integrate advanced systems with precision, and adapt to future demands without disruption. By aligning design, technology, and operations, Evans ensures every facility delivers reliable performance and lasting value.

The Evans Advantage

Approved FAA partner
Evans is an FAA approved Slatwall Console Vendor, dedicated solely to control room solutions. Our systems meet FAA requirements for seismic resilience, ISO 9001 quality, and BIFMA and VOC compliance.

Scale that ensures certainty
We deliver 25 to 30 projects every month, applying tested processes and proven risk controls. FAA executives gain confidence knowing modernization is refined at a pace unmatched in the industry.

Global perspective with U.S. priority
Seventy percent of Evans projects are delivered in the United States. Work across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific brings exposure to international best practices, yet our priority remains on meeting FAA requirements for ATCTs, TRACONs, ARTCCs, CERAPs, CCFs, and specialized training facilities.

Expertise that crosses domains
Our experience spans utilities, defense, public safety, and intelligence. These sectors demand continuous operations, and that expertise strengthens every FAA program with proven approaches to human factors, technology integration, and operational continuity.

Complete delivery accountability
From site surveys and design reviews through fabrication, installation, and lifecycle support, Evans provides complete accountability. FAA leaders work with one partner who owns the outcome from start to finish.

The modernization of U.S. air traffic control requires trusted partners with experience in the most demanding environments. Evans has delivered before, and Evans is ready to deliver again. 

Evans delivers modernization from start to finish

Evans supports the FAA at every stage of the modernization journey by coordinating with trusted partners to manage the complete lifecycle of work.

Planning and design
We manage construction planning, architectural and engineering design, and operational studies that place controller performance at the center of every decision.

Integration and manufacturing
Our teams bring together communications, surveillance, and automation technologies with consoles engineered for mission-critical operations. Each system is designed, staged, and manufactured to FAA standards before reaching the site.

Installation and commissioning
Final delivery is coordinated so that facilities remain live throughout the process. Evans ensures modernization is completed with minimal disruption and maximum safety.

This lifecycle approach gives FAA executives one accountable partner who delivers safe, efficient, and future-ready environments without the delays and fragmentation of multiple vendors.

Turnkey Solutions - FAA WOCC, Washington DC

Evans is ready to support the FAA’s NextGen mission

Connect with Nick Yaskiw, Vertical Manager - ATC & Airports to see how Evans is building the next generation of BNATCS.