Advancing aircraft hangar fire protection with ILDFA technology
At a glance
The complexity of fighting aircraft hangar fires has driven fire protection engineering in new directions. Matt Batbouta, Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineer and ILDFA Lead at GHD, has been at the forefront of implementing Ignitable Liquid Drainage Floor Assembly (ILDFA) systems for both commercial aviation and federal clients. We sat down with Matt to learn more about this highly specialized work and to understand why demand is growing among commercial operators.
What is ILDFA and why does it matter?
Ignitable Liquid Drainage Floor Assembly (ILDFA) is a newer generation of fire suppression technology developed specifically for aircraft hangars and now recognized by (National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars, as an alternative to traditional aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) systems. While AFFF systems have proven highly effective in suppressing fuel fires, they contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are now known to pose environmental and health concerns.
ILDFA is a chemical-free, environmentally responsible flooring system designed to prevent pool fires by rapidly channeling spilled jet fuel into trench drains and away from aircraft, personnel, and hangar structures. By removing fuel before ignition can occur, the system eliminates the conditions that allow pool fires to develop—reducing risks to life safety, assets, and facilities.
This technology matters because aviation operators must protect critical assets and personnel while also meeting increasing environmental stewardship expectations. ILDFA enables them to do both.
You've been working on commercial ILDFA projects recently. Tell us about that work.
We are seeing strong interest from commercial aviation operators that are constructing new hangars or retrofitting existing facilities to remove AFFF systems. Our team has delivered projects both within and outside the continental United States, working with multiple large commercial airlines, a global document and parcel logistics company, and one of the world’s largest defense contractors specializing in aviation, space technology, and national security solutions.
What makes this work especially compelling is that no two projects are the same. Hangar layouts vary widely, aircraft types have different protection requirements based on fuel capacity and fuel spill radius , and site-specific conditions can significantly influence system design. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to implementing ILDFA solutions.
What makes ILDFA projects complex from an engineering perspective?
These projects are inherently multidisciplinary. While fire protection engineering is central to the work, successful ILDFA implementation also requires structural engineers to evaluate in-slab trenches; plumbing engineers to design the flushing and distribution systems; electrical engineers to address aircraft grounding, system controls and monitoring; civil engineers to manage exterior drainage and sanitary connections; and environmental specialists to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
Because ILDFA is still relatively new, close coordination with project stakeholders—including owners, end users and Authorities Having Jurisdiction—is essential to ensure system understanding and to demonstrate compliance with NFPA 409.
How does your federal work inform the commercial projects?
Federal sector clients have been implementing ILDFA systems for several years, giving us extensive experience and deep knowledge of the technology's capabilities. This includes understanding testing protocols, navigating environmental regulatory requirements, addressing constructability in retrofit applications and evaluating operational impacts.
Leveraging this knowledge, we work with commercial clients to minimize aircraft downtime, optimize maintenance costs and ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
Our team also provides detailed comparisons of ILDFA with alternative fire protection solutions, including high-expansion foam systems, fluorine-free foams and aircraft defueling strategies. These analyses evaluate technical performance, retrofit feasibility, construction costs and 10-year maintenance projections, enabling clients to make fully informed decisions when replacing legacy AFFF systems.
What's driving the growth in commercial ILDFA work?
Several factors are driving change in fire protection for aviation. First, environmental regulations around PFAS are becoming stricter, prompting operators with legacy AFFF systems to explore alternatives. Second, insurance providers are increasingly focused on fire protection performance, particularly for high-value aircraft. As an example, FM’s preferred alternative to AFFF systems is ILDFA. Third, as new hangars are built or existing facilities undergo major renovations, operators want to adopt the most advanced technology from the start.
Additionally, there’s a knowledge gap in the market. ILDFA is still relatively new in the commercial sector, so operators need engineering partners who truly understand both the technology and the aviation environment. This is where our federal experience sets us apart.
What's next for this work?
The project pipeline is growing rapidly. More commercial operators are inquiring about ILDFA retrofits, and we’re being involved in new construction projects earlier in the design process. This early engagement is ideal, as fire protection should be integrated into the overall facility design rather than added as an afterthought.
We’re also expanding our team’s capabilities across offices. These projects require specialised technical capability, so we’re investing in training and bringing in experienced fire protection engineers to lead complex initiatives.
As the focus on environmental responsibility intersects with mission-critical fire protection, the need for expert guidance will only increase. We’re well-positioned to help clients navigate this challenge.