FAA lowered its air traffic controller staffing target to 12,563, cutting 2,070 positions from the previous 14,633 goal.
Currently about 11,000 certified controllers are active, with 4,000 in training, including 1,000 former certified staff.
Overtime surged 308% since 2013, reaching 2.2 million hours and $200 million cost in 2024.
FAA will deploy modern scheduling tools to improve efficiency and curb excessive overtime.