FAA to phase out floppy disks by 2028

US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is continuing efforts to modernise the country's air traffic control system by replacing outdated floppy disks used to store vital weather and other critical operational information with a modernised system.

The Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS) will replace four legacy systems dating back to the 1980s across more than 400 FAA facilities. The new platform will provide air traffic controllers with faster access to essential operational information through a single, secure system. It is also expected to reduce maintenance costs and the need for temporary workarounds while improving aviation safety.

The first five facilities scheduled to receive the upgrades include Atlantic City International Airport, Nashville International Airport and Greater Rochester International Airport, along with data processing hubs in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The FAA plans to deploy the Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS) across 435 sites by the end of 2028.

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

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 “We’re moving away from outdated, manual processes and replacing technology that once relied on floppy disks with a modern system that allows controllers to instantly share critical flight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

E-IDS is a digital display system that consolidates essential operational information on a single platform, allowing air traffic controllers to quickly access updates, status reports and alerts. The information includes equipment faults and disruptions, air traffic conditions, weather-related impacts and other important advisories.

E-IDS will also enhance the collection and distribution of Pilot Reports (PIREPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). PIREPs provide first-hand accounts of weather conditions reported by pilots to air traffic controllers, while NOTAMs communicate important information about potential hazards, restrictions and changes to aviation facilities or procedures. Both provide critical real-time information, helping controllers maintain better situational awareness.

The FAA said it is accelerating the nationwide modernisation of the US air traffic control system under Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The agency has already replaced 69% of copper wiring, installed Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) systems at 143 towers, transitioned 26 towers to electronic flight strips and installed 226 IP Voice Switches.