Air Traffic Flow Management Systems

The FAA's core ATFM operational toolset

Metron Aviation's Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) systems were developed from research concepts for improved operations, to prototype systems, to operational capabilities. The process behind developing these decision support tools is the foundation supporting Metron Aviation's research and development programs. The current ATFM systems increase common situational awareness and enhance Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) in the National Airspace System (NAS). Current ATFM systems include:

  • Flight Schedule Monitor (FSM), deployed system-wide in 1999, is generally recognized as the world.s first ATFM platform, and today is an integral part of traffic management for the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), over 100 other FAA facilities, NAV CANADA and 24 domestic and international aircraft operators.
  • Flight Schedule Analyzer (FSA) is a web-based analysis tool used to asses the performance of Traffic Management Initiatives (TMI).
  • Post Operations Evaluation Tool (POET) is an analysis system used by the FAA and the aviation community to analyze NAS performance.
  • Route Management Tool (RMT) is a database query tool that allows users to search centralized databases containing various types of routing data.
  • Integrated Reporting Information System (IRIS) is a flexible and scalable web-based system that supports post operational analysis and evaluation of the NAS performance and Traffic Management Initiatives (TMI), such a Ground Delay Programs (GDP), Airspace Flow Programs (AFP) and Ground Stops (GS).
  • Surface Management System (SMS) increases common situational awareness of airport surface operations between the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), Ramp Tower, airlines and other ATC facilities.

Metron Aviation's ATFM systems have eliminated over 70 million minutes in delays, due in large to new algorithms and procedures. All of the ATFM systems make CDM more accessible to participants, cut costs, increase capacity, reduce delays and lower emissions and fuel burn.