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Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Begins Retiring Decades Old Floppy Disks from Air Traffic Control as Part of Ongoing Modernization Effort

Thursday, November 5, 2026
MODERN SKIES

Deployment of Brand New Air Traffic Control continues at record pace

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is continuing its historic modernization of America’s air traffic control system by replacing outdated floppy disks that contain vital weather and other critical information with a streamlined, 21st-century system.

The Enterprise – Information Display System (E-IDS) replaces four systems dating back to the 1980s that are in more than 400 FAA facilities. E-IDS provides a single, secure system that gives air traffic controllers faster access to information they need. It also will reduce costly repairs and workarounds while enhancing safety for the American flying public.

The first five facilities to receive these upgrades include:

  • Atlantic City International Airport 
  • Nashville International Airport 
  • Greater Rochester International Airport 
  • Data processing hubs in Atlanta and Salt Lake City

The FAA plans to install E-IDS in 435 sites by the end of 2028.

“Good news America: floppy disks are out, 21st century tech is in,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “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.”

air traffic controller sitting in front of air traffic control system
Click HERE or above to watch a video on the new technology.

“E-IDS gives air traffic controllers the information they need to make timely decisions and keep the flying public safe,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “We’re moving away from outdated, manual processes and replacing technology that once relied on floppy disks with a modern system that allows controllers to instantly share critical flight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.”

You can track the progress of the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) by state and airport on our Modern Skies website.

Additional Information:

E-IDS is a digital display board that puts important operational information in one place so controllers can quickly see updates, status information, and alerts they need to keep air traffic moving safely and efficiently. This information includes notices about equipment issues and disruptions, air traffic conditions, weather impacts, and important advisories.

E-IDS will also improve how Pilot Reports (PIREPS) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are collected and distributed. PIREPs are first-hand reports on weather conditions from pilots to air traffic controllers. Both provide vital information on real-time pilot conditions and improve situational awareness for controllers.

Reminder:

Under Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the FAA is rapidly moving to make upgrades to our air traffic control system nationwide. We have already:

  • Replaced 69% of copper wires 
  • Installed Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) systems at 143 towers 
  • Transitioned 26 towers to electronic flight strips
  • Installed 226 IP Voice Switches
     

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