TUCSON, Ariz. – The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) has been awarded a $250,000 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve airfield safety at Tucson International Airport (TUS) through the deployment of Vehicle Movement Area Transponders (VMATs).

VMATs are specialized Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transmitters installed on airport vehicles that operate in movement areas, such as runways and taxiways. The devices continuously broadcast a vehicle's identification and precise location, allowing air traffic controllers and other equipped users to see airfield vehicles in real time on advanced surface surveillance systems. The FAA has identified VMAT technology as an important tool in preventing runway incursions and improving overall situational awareness on the airfield.

The grant will support the acquisition, installation, configuration, and commissioning of VMAT units on airport operations, maintenance, emergency response, and other authorized airfield vehicles operating at Tucson International Airport.

"Safety is our highest priority," said Danette Bewley, Tucson Airport Authority President/CEO. "This FAA investment will strengthen our ability to safely manage vehicle activity on the airfield, improve communication and situational awareness, and further enhance the safe movement of aircraft and ground vehicles throughout the airport environment."

The FAA and aviation industry have made reducing runway incursions and surface incidents a national priority. VMAT technology enables air traffic controllers to identify and track equipped vehicles with greater accuracy, helping prevent potential conflicts between aircraft and vehicles operating in controlled movement areas.

According to Bruce Goetz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Tucson Airport Authority, the project represents another important investment in airfield safety infrastructure.

"VMAT technology provides an additional layer of protection by making airport vehicles more visible to the air traffic control system. This project will help ensure that operations personnel, maintenance crews, and emergency responders can continue performing critical airfield functions while supporting the highest levels of operational safety."

TUS serves more than 4 million passengers annually and supports vital commercial, military, general aviation, and cargo operations in Southern Arizona. The VMAT project will further enhance the airport's commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and modern air transportation system.