Washington, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in a press release dated 5 November 2026, announced that it has begun replacing decades-old air traffic control technology that relied on floppy disks to store and distribute essential weather and operational information, as part of a nationwide effort to modernize the US air traffic control system.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the deployment of the Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS), a new digital platform designed to replace four legacy systems dating back to the 1980s. These systems are currently used across more than 400 FAA facilities and provide air traffic controllers with access to vital weather information and other operational data.
According to the FAA, E-IDS consolidates these four systems into a single, secure platform, enabling controllers to access critical information more quickly. The new technology is also expected to reduce costly equipment repairs and operational workarounds while improving safety for the flying public.
The first five locations scheduled to receive the upgrades are Atlantic City International Airport, Nashville International Airport and Greater Rochester International Airport, alongside FAA data processing hubs in Atlanta and Salt Lake City.
The FAA plans to extend E-IDS installations to 435 sites by the end of 2028, forming part of its broader Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) modernization programme.
Announcing the development, Duffy said, “Good news America: floppy disks are out, 21st century tech is in.” He added, “The greatest nation in the world deserves a state-of-the-art air traffic control system, and under President Trump, we’re delivering just that. The installation of E-IDS is just the latest signal that America’s brand new air traffic control system is coming at lightning speed.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the new system would provide controllers with information needed to make timely operational decisions and maintain aviation safety.
“E-IDS gives air traffic controllers the information they need to make timely decisions and keep the flying public safe,” Bedford said. “We’re moving away from outdated, manual processes and replacing technology that once relied on floppy disks with a modern system that allows controllers to instantly share critical flight alerts, restricted airspace schedules and pilot reports across the National Airspace System.”
The FAA describes E-IDS as a digital display board that consolidates important operational information into one place, allowing controllers to monitor updates, status information and alerts required to maintain safe and efficient air traffic operations.
The information displayed includes equipment problems and service disruptions, prevailing air traffic conditions, weather-related impacts and other operational advisories.
The system will also improve the collection and distribution of Pilot Reports (PIREPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). PIREPs are first-hand accounts provided by pilots to air traffic controllers about weather conditions encountered during flight. Together with NOTAMs, which communicate important aviation notices, these reports provide information about real-time operating conditions and help controllers maintain situational awareness.
The E-IDS deployment follows several other infrastructure upgrades already undertaken under Duffy’s leadership as part of the wider modernization of the US air traffic control network.
According to the FAA, the programme has already replaced 69% of copper wires across the network, installed Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) systems at 143 airport towers, transitioned 26 towers to electronic flight strips and installed 226 IP Voice Switches.
The FAA has also made progress on deploying new air traffic control technology and infrastructure nationwide, with E-IDS representing the latest phase of that effort.
The agency has directed stakeholders to its Modern Skies website, where the progress of the Brand New Air Traffic Control System can be tracked by state and airport.
