Cleveland deploys Leidos management system

A new Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system from Leidos is now operational at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Ohio.

The system, developed for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will reduce runway departure queues and allow for streamlined operations in the airport’s air traffic control tower.

"With an increase in air traffic nationwide, it’s crucial for airports to leverage the most innovative systems and technology to keep airport traffic consistently flowing," said Fran Hill, senior vice president of Leidos' Transportation Solutions. "The benefits of TFDM are far-reaching. Not only will it improve the passenger experience by reducing delays, but it will also lower greenhouse gas emissions through reduced airplane taxi times."

TFDM is a tower-based Next-Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technology that improves surface management and efficiency. It shares electronic data among controllers, air traffic managers, aircraft operators and airports to stage arrivals and departures while managing surface traffic flow.

Leidos is the prime contractor and lead integrator developing and implementing TFDM. Its teams perform programme management, systems engineering, design and development, system integration and testing, adaptation, hardware production and site implementation. Post-deployment, Leidos will continue to provide maintenance support services to maintain the system’s functionality.

A second deployment build is planned for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in 2024. Build 2.0 will provide additional tools and expand data sharing to flight operators and other stakeholders. TFDM implementation will continue to additional airports across the US over the coming years, Leidos said.

Image: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport