The current ATC system "is based on an outdated technologies that are unable to meet" modern demands, an administration statement said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it plans to upgrade the technology used to get radar data to air traffic controllers directing planes to the troubled Newark, New Jersey, airport, and improve staffing to alleviate problems that have caused hundreds of flights to be canceled there.

The FAA ordered an independent panel hired to recommend ways to strengthen oversight of its air traffic control operations to stop work.