The FAA is finally ditching floppy disks

The FAA plans to replace floppy disks and four other legacy systems with a digital information platform across more than 400 air traffic control facilities. The change could make it easier for controllers to access operational updates, but it addresses only one part of a wider modernisation challenge.

The Enterprise Information Display System will combine live weather alerts, equipment outages, airspace restrictions and pilot reports on a digital dashboard. Upgrades have begun at five sites, with rollout to 435 facilities targeted by the end of 2028; the FAA awarded the Leidos contract in 2020. A 2024 government report found 90 per cent of critical air traffic control infrastructure was due or overdue for upgrades, while staffing shortages and other systemic problems remain.