Airports are some of the world’s most complex environments, processing hundreds of thousands of passengers each day and navigating multiple airlines and flight routes. But they are also taxiing towards trouble. A talent shortage in ground crews has emerged, which is affecting how quickly airlines can service and turn around planes between flights. This can cause severe delays to certain routes, leading to passengers choosing alternative destinations or transport methods to avoid travel disruptions. Similarly, as customer expectations continue to increase, airports are under pressure to provide a more personalised, seamless experience, meaning any disruption to operations – such as baggage handling – can have severe cost repercussions. It is important the aviation industry learns how they can do more with less and start attracting a new pool of talent.
Airports can address these challenges by adopting emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) to create a smart airport. However, for these to be fully effective, airports also need to have robust connectivity infrastructure in place. The start of this connectivity foundation starts with a private cellular network which can provide secure and seamless connectivity under the complete control of the airport.
Enhancing ground crew operations with Private 5G
Airplanes are an excellent investment when they’re in the air but are a costly liability when grounded. Ground crews are key to keeping airport operations moving, ensuring that planes are refuelled, restocked, cleaned, and prepared for their next journey. Traditionally, ground crews have relied on fragmented systems for communication, often having to wrangle multiple devices and gadgets that only exacerbate inefficiencies. Legacy systems such as Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) or Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) have been the backbone of airport communications for years, but these systems are not equipped to handle the growing need for real-time data and video transmission.
Private 5G networks offer a much-needed upgrade to the communications infrastructure. These networks allow ground crew teams to instantly share large amounts of data, such as aircraft diagnostics and maintenance reports, in a secure and efficient manner. This can reduce the time spent waiting for information to be transmitted from the aircraft to the ground, helping airlines meet their 30-minute turnaround time goal safely.
For example, Charles de Gaulle Airport has implemented a private cellular network to enhance operational efficiency and support its extensive workforce. It also uses the network to support the automated collection of Quick Access Recorder (QAR) data from the aircraft, enabling timely processing and analysis of flight information. This means potential maintenance issues can be flagged while the plane is still on the tarmac, well before reaching the gate. By the time it arrives at the terminal, the crew is already equipped with all the information they need to make repairs or adjustments, significantly reducing delays. This capability is not just about speed; it’s also about safety. If an issue is detected early enough, crews can address it before it escalates, avoiding potentially dangerous situations later.
Predictive maintenance: minimising downtime and enhancing safety
The number one priority for all airlines and airports is safety, and one of the most promising applications of private 5G for airports is predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance uses data from IoT sensors to predict when a part will likely fail, allowing repairs to be made before a breakdown occurs. In the past, maintenance teams would perform routine checks and often replace parts based on time schedules, which didn’t always align with the actual condition of the equipment. This reactive approach wasted time and resources, and increased the likelihood of unscheduled maintenance, which can cost airlines around $150,000 a day.
By using IoT sensors connected through private 5G, workers can receive real-time data on the health of aircraft systems, baggage handling equipment, and vehicles across the airport. This means that instead of waiting for a problem to occur, maintenance teams can proactively fix issues. This reduces the risk of delays and improves customer satisfaction.
Additionally, predictive maintenance is critical in maintaining trust between airlines and their passengers. Safety is paramount in aviation, and any improvements that can be made to ensure that aircraft are thoroughly checked and repaired, without slowing down operations, are highly valuable.
Solving the skills gap: on-the-job training with AR/VR
Like many other industries, aviation is grappling with a skills shortage, especially in ground crew roles. The pandemic exacerbated this issue, as many experienced staff members who were furloughed or laid off during the lockdowns have not returned to the sector.
Private 5G networks can help bridge this skills gap by enabling advanced training solutions like AR and VR. Ground crew members can use augmented reality goggles to receive on-the-job guidance as they repair or service aircraft. For example, an AR system could overlay real-time instructions onto the equipment the worker is repairing, allowing junior staff to complete complex tasks accurately and safely. This speeds up the training process and reduces the risk of human error, which is particularly important in high-stakes environments like airports.
Virtual reality can also simulate different repair scenarios, allowing staff to practice risk-free before working on actual aircraft. These immersive training solutions, supported by the low latency and high bandwidth of private 5G networks, allow airlines to train their staff more effectively and safely, even if they don’t have years of hands-on experience.
Given the growing passenger numbers, airlines cannot afford to suffer from lengthy aircraft downtimes due to a lack of skilled maintenance staff. By embracing AR/VR training, they can equip a new generation of ground crews with the knowledge they need to perform at a high level, all while ensuring safety and efficiency are maintained.
Future-proofing airport operations
The potential applications of 5G extend far beyond current operations. In the future, we could see autonomous vehicles managing baggage handling or AI-powered systems optimising gate traffic to ensure the smooth flow of aircraft. These innovations will all depend on the high-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity private 5G networks provide.
Moreover, airports that invest in private 5G networks now will be better positioned to handle the increasing demands of air travel in the coming years. Research by Purdue University Airport – which acts as a proving ground for academics, researchers and businesses to develop commercial solutions – shows what is possible if airports embrace 5G networks, enabling it to support more data-heavy applications like biometric security systems, AI-driven operations, and personalised passenger experiences. This investment helps streamline current operations and ensures that airports can keep pace with future technological developments.
The shift to private 5G networks represents a crucial step forward for airports, offering an array of benefits for both ground crews and airlines. From streamlining communications to enabling predictive maintenance and supporting innovative training solutions, private 5G networks are essential for modern, efficient airport operations. As demand for air travel continues to grow, airports that embrace this technology will be able to offer faster, safer, and more reliable services, making them more attractive to airlines and passengers alike.
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