Leidos Accelerates TFDM Digital Ground-Operations Rollout at Reagan National

Leidos speeds digital overhaul of ground operations at Reagan National

Leidos is deploying its Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, replacing paper flight strips with live digital data and predictive modeling to optimize aircraft ground movements. The Federal Aviation Administration begins the Reagan National implementation in June 2025 and Leidos accelerates the program to be operational roughly 45% faster than the traditional 18‑month deployment cycle — cutting implementation time by about 8.1 months to roughly 9.9 months. The faster rollout aims to deliver benefits to tower controllers, air traffic managers, airlines and airport operations more quickly.

The TFDM implementation centres on digital flight strips and an integrated surface display that provide a shared, real‑time view of surface activity. Those tools lower controller workload, increase predictability and strengthen safety by making potential conflicts visible earlier and enabling proactive sequencing. Leidos highlights TFDM’s predictive capabilities as aiding airline and airport dispatchers in surface conflict mitigation and more efficient departure and arrival flows, which officials say improves the traveler experience through reduced delays.

Deploying TFDM at one of the nation’s busiest airports carries operational significance for peak‑traffic risk reduction and system scalability. Ten airports currently operate TFDM and Leidos has fielded air traffic management systems across four continents, positioning the company to scale further U.S. rollouts in the months ahead. By moving away from paper strips and toward integrated displays and analytics, the FAA and Leidos seek to modernize surface operations that affect millions of passengers daily.

Near-term rollouts and integration

Leidos notes more TFDM deployments are planned in the coming months as the FAA expands digital surface management. The company’s quicker deployment timeline is intended to accelerate benefits such as lower controller workload and improved surface predictability at additional airports.

Leidos’ size and programme context

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos employs about 47,000 people and reports roughly $17.2 billion in annual revenue for the fiscal year ended Jan. 2, 2026. Roy Stevens, Leidos’ Homeland Sector president, says the accelerated TFDM rollout helps the FAA streamline operations and enhance safety while making air travel more efficient and predictable; more information is available on the company and FAA TFDM programme pages.