The Federal Aviation Administration has begun installing its Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS), replacing four information systems dating to the 1980s that rely on floppy-disk-era processes. The first five installations are at Atlantic City, Nashville and Greater Rochester international airports, and FAA data-processing hubs in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The agency plans to deploy E-IDS at 435 sites by the end of 2028.
E-IDS brings operational information onto a single digital display, giving controllers access to equipment status, traffic conditions, weather impacts and advisories. The system is designed to let facilities share flight alerts, restricted-airspace schedules and pilot reports, while improving the collection and distribution of Pilot Reports (PIREPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
The FAA expects the upgrade to reduce repairs and workarounds associated with the legacy systems and improve controllers’ access to information used in traffic operations. The deployment is part of a broader national air traffic control modernisation programme. The agency’s latest progress figures include replacement of 69% of copper wiring, Surface Awareness Initiative systems at 143 towers, electronic flight strips at 26 towers and 226 IP Voice Switches.
The FAA has not published a site-by-site installation schedule or cost figures for E-IDS.