US PRESIDENT Donald Trump called the country's air traffic control system "obsolete" in comments cheered by proponents of privatisation, reports Bloomberg.

    Speaking to airline executives, he said: "We're spending billions on a system that's totally out of whack. A lot of the new equipment that's ordered is obsolete the day they order it. And that's according to people that know, including my pilot."

    The president, who appeared to be taking a shot at the head of Federal Aviation Administration chief Michael Peter Huerta, drew praise from airlines that favour splitting air traffic from the FAA.

    Such a measure was included last year in House legislation setting FAA policy, but stalled in the Senate and wasn't included in the final bill. Congress is taking up the matter again this year.