Exelis (NYSE:XLS) has successfully deployed its new deicing management solution at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The solution, called Symphony® DeiceVue™, automates tasks in the deicing process that were previously done manually to improve the coordination, efficiency and reporting accuracy of deicing operations.

Through a contract with Swissport International Ltd., Exelis provides advanced automation to coordinate deicing operations between PHL, the airlines, the deice company (Swissport) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Exelis, a global leader in providing critical network solutions, streamlines the deicing process by minimizing the need for manual data entry and verbal communications at the airline ramp towers.

“For the first time, the airport, airlines, ground handling providers and FAA have real-time visibility to each aircraft’s location and stage in the deicing process, delivering major efficiency improvements on the airport surface when winter weather conditions arise” said Ted Carniol, general manager of commercial aviation solutions for Exelis. “Providing this critical network of situational awareness information on a shared display results in more efficient queues, less verbal communications and reduced delays.”

Symphony DeiceVue automates the collection of key milestone events in the deicing process and the association of data to specific aircraft and alerts users when process exceptions occur. The solution collects deicing fluid data; identifies and visually communicates requests for aircraft deicing through a shared display; and sets start and stop times for aircraft deicing in the deice bays. It also merges the flight, deicing fluid, on and off block times, weather and staff assignment data into a comprehensive reporting system.

The Exelis Symphony suite of airport and airline operations solutions is powered by the Exelis NextGen surveillance data. For more information about the most comprehensive, secure, nationwide airport and aircraft surveillance source, visit www.exelisinc.com/symphony.

About Exelis

Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense, information and services company that leverages a 50-year legacy of deep customer knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable, mission-critical solutions for global customers. We are a leader in positioning and navigation, sensors, air traffic management solutions, image processing and distribution, communications and information systems; and focused on strategic growth in the areas of critical networks, ISR and analytics, electronic warfare and composite aerostructures. Headquartered in McLean, Va., Exelis employs about 17,000 people and generated 2013 sales of $4.8 billion. For more information, visit our website at www.exelisinc.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.