Metron Aviation to Provide Systems Engineering Support and ATFM Integration on FAA's TBFM Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin

TBFM is a critical component in the FAA's Action Plan which responds to the recommendations of the RTCA NextGen Mid-Term Implementation Task Force. The TBFM Program will provide advanced automation and a series of enhancements to the existing Traffic Management Advisor (TMA), providing more sophisticated scheduling, a greater span of control, more flexibility and integration with other FAA automation systems. Based on the principle of Time Based Metering (TBM), TBFM generates efficient scheduling and spacing plans for en route and pre-departure aircraft and distributes flight-specific directives to execute the plans. This results in more efficient and predictable traffic management reducing delays, emissions and fuel burn. "Metron Aviation understands that TBFM is a building block in the NextGen High Density Airports solution set, one of several portfolios. TBFM will enable the FAA to realize its mid-term NextGen vision and deliver the expected benefits, resulting in significant safety, environmental and operational improvements for all NAS stakeholders," said Jim Gaughan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Metron Aviation's Advanced Research and Engineering Business Unit. "Metron Aviation is grateful for the opportunity to support Lockheed Martin and the FAA in the development and deployment of a capability which will notably improve arrival and departure capacity for multiple airports and runways in high demand airspace." Metron Aviation has a proven track record of turning groundbreaking concepts into operational capabilities and developed the first advanced ATFM system for the FAA in 1999, Flight Schedule Monitor (FSM). FSM is used at the FAA's Command Center, over 100 other FAA facilities, as well as at NAV CANADA and 24 domestic and international aircraft operators. FSM is an integral part of daily operations management for NAS managers and users. Without FSM, which allows necessary delays to be taken on the ground rather than in the air, ATFM would not be as efficient. The results are much safer and more efficient, saving flight operators more than $400 million per year in fuel costs alone.