A new air traffic system has been created by NASA and partners for air traffic controls.

NASA has said it hopes use of the system by air traffic controllers should be able to improve performance at airports by as much as 20 percent, by reducing congestion in the airways.

Airways congestion, which is said to cost the United States economy up to $41 billion a year, will potentially be controlled by experienced operators, but a computer will give them additional advice on how to improve the flow of aircraft.

It is expected the system, which is based on sophisticated computer systems will go into service soon.