FAA taps data firm Palantir to help uncover safety issues – By Michael Laris (The Washington Post) / June 18 2021
The Federal Aviation Administration has hired data analytics firm Palantir Technologies to help stitch together disparate databases to improve the agency’s oversight of aviation safety.
© Andrew Harnik/AP The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration building is seen in Washington. (AP/Andrew Harnik)
The FAA signed an $18.4 million deal to use the Denver firm’s data integration platform, according to a federal filing. The agency agreed to pay $5.8 million for access the first year, with an option to extend for two more years.
The move comes after the FAA has faced sharp criticism from outside investigators, and current and former employees, after deadly incidents in recent years. Federal officials hope the improved data integration will bring “rapid and efficient” decision-making through “monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing aviation safety data,” according to a June 15 federal filing.
Palantir’s system will pull in large amounts of data, including satellite airplane tracking information, emergency air-traffic control data and numerous written reports on mechanical problems from pilots and manufacturers, according to the company.
