Leidos system installed to help improve efficiency and safety at Reagan National Airport

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) deployed a Federal Aviation Administration Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system at Washington Reagan National Airport to replace paper flight strips with real-time digital tools that aim to improve ground efficiency and safety.

The FAA implementation began in June 2025 and Leidos says the Reagan National deployment became operational 45% faster than the traditional 18-month cycle; TFDM is already used at ten airports.

Positive

• Deployment operational 45% faster than 18-month cycle
• Digital flight strips and integrated surface display implemented
• TFDM live at ten airports
• Leidos air traffic systems deployed across four continents

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+1.89%

1 alert

+1.89% News Effect

On the day this news was published, LDOS gained 1.89%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Deployment acceleration: 45% faster Traditional cycle: 18 months TFDM airports: 10 airports +5 more

8 metrics

Deployment acceleration 45% faster TFDM implementation at Reagan National vs traditional 18-month cycle

Traditional cycle 18 months Typical TFDM deployment timeline referenced by FAA

TFDM airports 10 airports Number of airports currently using TFDM

Price change 6.19% LDOS 24h move prior to/around TFDM news

Relative volume 2.01x Today’s volume vs 20-day average

52-week high distance -16.64% Price vs 52-week high before this news

52-week low distance 38.76% Price vs 52-week low before this news

Last trade in S-3 $161.53 Share price cited in shelf prospectus on Feb 17, 2026

Market Reality Check

Price: $176.27 Vol: Volume 2,091,204 is 2.01x...

high vol

$176.27 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,091,204 is 2.01x the 20-day average of 1,039,654, signaling elevated interest ahead of/around this update. high

Technical Shares at 171.53 trade below the 200-day MA of 176.81, and sit 16.64% below the 52-week high and 38.76% above the 52-week low.

Peers on Argus

LDOS gained 6.19% while peers were mixed: CTSH +2.86%, BR +2.03%, GIB +0.64%, WI...

LDOS gained 6.19% while peers were mixed: CTSH +2.86%, BR +2.03%, GIB +0.64%, WIT +0.88%, and CDW -0.54%, pointing to a stock-specific move rather than a broad sector rotation.

Common Catalyst Select peers reported business/AI-related news, but no clear shared catalyst ties directly to LDOS’s airport systems announcement.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 17 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 17	Full-year earnings	Positive	-8.4%	Reported FY 2025 revenue and EPS growth with strong EBITDA and backlog.
Feb 13	Dividend declaration	Positive	+2.8%	Announced <b>$0.43</b> per share quarterly cash dividend with March 31 payment date.
Feb 12	Defense IT contract	Positive	-0.9%	Accelerated DODNet migration for eight agencies and over 100,000 users.
Feb 11	Conference participation	Neutral	-11.2%	Planned CEO fireside chat at Citi Global Industrial Tech and Mobility Conference.
Feb 09	Security IT award	Positive	+0.8%	Won <b>$142M</b> CESO award to modernize secure IT operations and applications.

Pattern Detected

Recent LDOS news often saw mixed or negative price reactions, including an -8.38% move on strong earnings, with some positive alignment on dividends and contract wins.

Recent Company History

Over February 2026, Leidos issued multiple updates spanning earnings, capital returns, federal programs, and conferences. Earnings on Feb 17 showed $17.17B in FY revenues and $11.14 EPS yet the stock fell 8.38%. A $0.43 dividend declaration on Feb 13 aligned with a modest gain. Defense IT and DODNet expansion news had small or negative moves, and a conference participation headline on Feb 11 coincided with an 11.15% drop. Today’s TFDM deployment update continues the operational execution theme with a more clearly positive price response.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2026-02-19

An effective Form S-3ASR shelf filed on 2026-02-19 allows Leidos or its subsidiary to issue common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, guarantees, warrants, purchase contracts and units from time to time for general corporate purposes, including working capital, acquisitions and debt retirement.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement underscores Leidos’ role in modernizing U.S. airspace operations through the TFDM ...

Analysis

This announcement underscores Leidos’ role in modernizing U.S. airspace operations through the TFDM program, with Reagan National’s deployment completed 45% faster than the traditional 18-month cycle and now among 10 airports using the system. The news complements recent federal IT awards and the company’s balance-sheet actions, including an expanded $1.5B revolver and an effective S-3ASR shelf for general corporate purposes. Investors may watch for additional airport rollouts, contract wins, and capital deployment choices as next catalysts.

Key Terms

terminal flight data manager (tfdm), digital flight strips, predictive modeling tools, air traffic management systems, +2 more

6 terms

terminal flight data manager (tfdm) technical

"Developed by Leidos for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program"

A terminal flight data manager (TFDM) is a computerized system that coordinates arriving, departing and taxiing aircraft around an airport to reduce delays and improve safety, like a traffic controller that also plans routes and timing. Investors should care because TFDMs affect airline on-time performance, fuel and staffing costs, and airport capacity — all of which influence airline profitability, airport revenue and regulatory compliance risk.

digital flight strips technical

"the new digital system replaces paper flight strips and provides controllers with real-time data"

Digital flight strips are the electronic version of the paper slips air traffic controllers used to track each plane’s route, altitude and timing; they present the same critical information on screens and update in real time. For investors, adoption matters because it can reduce labor and error costs, increase airport and airspace capacity, and create recurring-revenue opportunities for software and hardware suppliers—similar to how digital ticketing replaced paper tickets to speed operations and cut mistakes.

predictive modeling tools technical

"provides controllers with real-time data and predictive modeling tools intended to help optimize aircraft movements"

Predictive modeling tools are computer programs that analyze historical and real‑time data to estimate likely future outcomes, such as sales, patient responses, or stock movements. For investors they act like a weather forecast for business and markets—turning patterns into probabilities that help assess risk, spot opportunities, and make more informed decisions, while always carrying uncertainty rather than guarantees.

air traffic management systems technical

"Leidos has deployed air traffic management systems across four continents"

Air traffic management systems are the coordinated technologies, procedures and control centers that guide aircraft safely and efficiently through takeoff, flight and landing, like a traffic control system or orchestra conductor for the skies. Investors care because these systems affect airline and airport capacity, safety records, operating costs and regulatory compliance; upgrades or failures can drive large capital spending, revenue changes or risk assessments across aerospace, defense and travel-related companies.

integrated surface display technical

"A major advancement in safety comes from the digital flight strips and an integrated surface display"

Integrated surface display is a laboratory method that places specific proteins or other molecules on the outside of a cell or particle so they can be tested, selected or used directly, like putting a product sample on a storefront for customers to inspect. For investors, it matters because the technique speeds discovery and screening of drug candidates, vaccines or diagnostics, reducing time and cost to identify promising leads and de-risking development programs.

federal aviation administration (faa) regulatory

"Developed by Leidos for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager"

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. government agency that oversees civil aviation safety, including aircraft certifications, pilot rules, air traffic control, and airport operations. Investors watch FAA actions because its approvals, regulations or safety directives can directly affect airlines, aerospace manufacturers and airports—similar to a traffic cop whose decisions shape how fast and safely vehicles can operate, and therefore influence company costs, revenue and stock value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

RESTON, Va., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tower controllers and travelers at Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport are expected to experience the benefits of a newly deployed Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) system designed to enhance both the efficiency and safety of flight operations.

Developed by Leidos for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program, the new digital system replaces paper flight strips and provides controllers with real-time data and predictive modeling tools intended to help optimize aircraft movements on the ground. This modern capability aims to reduce delays, improve coordination, and strengthen safety across one of the nation's busiest airports.

The FAA's implementation of TFDM at Reagan National began in June of 2025 and was successfully accelerated to be operational 45% faster than the traditional 18-month deployment cycle.

"The FAA operates the most complex airspace in the world," said Roy Stevens, Homeland Sector president at Leidos. "By accelerating TFDM at Reagan National and airports across the country, we're helping the FAA reduce controller workload, streamline operations and enhance safety while making air travel more efficient and predictable for millions of people."

A major advancement in safety comes from the digital flight strips and an integrated surface display, which provide a shared, real-time view of activity for controllers, air traffic managers, and airline and airport operations. Together, these capabilities help reduce risk, increase predictability, and improve the traveler experience through smoother, safer departures and arrivals.

Ten airports currently use TFDM, with more deployments in addition to Reagan National scheduled in the months ahead. Leidos has deployed air traffic management systems across four continents, supporting safe, efficient travel for millions of passengers every day.

For more information about Leidos air traffic management solutions, visit leidos.com/atc

For more information about the TFDM program, visit https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tfdm

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Media contact:

Victor Melara
Senior Media Relations Manager
703.431.4612
victor.a.melara@leidos.com 

 

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SOURCE Leidos

FAQ

What did Leidos announce about the TFDM deployment at Reagan National (LDOS) on February 19, 2026?

Leidos announced the TFDM system at Reagan National replaces paper flight strips with real-time digital tools to boost efficiency and safety. According to the company, the FAA implementation began in June 2025 and reached operational status 45% faster than typical.

How does the new TFDM system from Leidos (LDOS) improve airport operations at Reagan National?

The TFDM system provides digital flight strips and an integrated surface display for a shared, real-time operational picture. According to the company, these tools reduce controller workload, increase predictability, and aim to reduce delays and safety risk for ground movements.

When did the FAA implementation of TFDM at Reagan National start and what speed improvement was reported for LDOS?

The FAA implementation of TFDM at Reagan National began in June 2025 and was accelerated to operational status 45% faster than the traditional 18-month deployment cycle. According to the company, acceleration shortened delivery timelines significantly.

How widely is the TFDM system used and will Leidos (LDOS) expand deployments?

TFDM is currently in use at ten airports, and additional deployments are scheduled in coming months. According to the company, Leidos will continue supporting TFDM rollouts and air traffic management modernization across other airports.

What safety features does Leidos (LDOS) highlight in the Reagan National TFDM system?

Leidos highlights digital flight strips and an integrated surface display providing a shared, real-time view for controllers and managers. According to the company, these features help reduce operational risk and improve coordination across stakeholders.

What operational benefits does Leidos claim for travelers and controllers from the TFDM at Reagan National (LDOS)?

Leidos claims TFDM will reduce delays, streamline operations, and make travel more efficient and predictable for millions of passengers. According to the company, the system also reduces controller workload and improves departure and arrival smoothness and safety.