Faster and safer turnarounds with gate systems that deliver elasticity

Can your gate operations adapt to meet constant changes in demand?

Challenges at the gate

As the connector between flights and terminal operations, the gate and apron area is where most of the action is with multiple stakeholders working for the successful turnaround of aircraft. As a result, operations at the gate are under constant change.

Most recently, change has been about streamlining resources to deal with the volatility in air traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery from the pandemic is unlikely to be linear and predictable. How can airports and airlines chart their recovery and be prepared to manage the next disruption? 

This is where operational elasticity at the apron comes in. Elasticity is the ability to adapt quickly and easily to unforeseen change, and return to high performance. Operational elasticity requires technical and commercial innovation, and a rethinking of processes. At the apron, elasticity is all about adaptable and resilient gate systems and processes, and flexible business models that help airports and airlines to scale up or down to manage traffic volatility and meet changing demand, while maintaining consistent levels of safety, productivity and efficiency. 

Download the white paper where industry experts from ADB SAFEGATE and Jacobs explore the elasticity concept and how to achieve this new and unconditional need.

An automated and integrated system for increased safety and efficiency

Safety on the ground is important to every airport and airline, but a challenging task in the confined gate and apron area. The busy and complex flow of aircraft, vehicles and people, in all weather conditions, can cause accidents and lead to delays and dissatisfied passengers. Systems from ADB SAFEGATE allow you to automate gate operations through integration and data sharing, thereby improving operational efficiency and the turnaround process, in addition to improving safety.

The lack of automation at the gate can lead to accidents, delays and unnecessary CO2 emissions. 

• Lack of situational awareness

• Inefficient docking procedures

• Inefficient information distribution

• Limited data collection during turnaround

Automating the aircraft parking and turnaround process

Safedock Advanced Visual Docking Guidance Systems (A-VDGS) provide the fastest and safest way to park aircraft in all weather conditions, with or without marshallers present. Automation reduces the risk of error and improves safety by ensuring aircraft/gate compatibility, verifying the position of the PBB and scanning the apron for vehicles or other objects.

Real-time data for collaborative decision making and increased predictability

Designed to support a more elastic operation, our web-based SafeControl Apron Management (SAM) software allows for providing situational awareness to all stakeholders involved in the aircraft turn, no matter if you are located in a control center, in a tower or on the ground. It presents itself as the natural intelligent hub for controlling, merging, storing, analyzing and predicting for operational performance, with an apron management perspective. Clear information keeps all personnel informed and helps deliver on-time departures in an ever-changing environment. 

SAM enables Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) by connecting the A-VDGS to flight information systems and other equipment on the apron. Gate availability, equipment status and other milestone information is shared, allowing operators to manage in real-time to avoid disruptions.

ADB SAFEGATE’s solutions for A-CDM optimize the use of resources and improve the predictability of events, with a focus on aircraft turnaround and pre-departure sequencing processes. They enhance both airport and airline performance by reducing delays and congestion and raising productivity and cost-efficiency.

Fully integrated system

Gate systems from ADB SAFEGATE can interface with other solutions in connection to gate operations, e.g. A-SMGCS surveillance systems, AODB and ground equipment, allowing for one integrated system. By collecting information throughout the process, and sharing it with tower and airfield in real time, the gate and apron area becomes a part of the integrated solution, from approach to departure.

Our automated solutions will help you:

• Ensure safety at the gate through shared real-time intelligence

• Improve on-time performance

• Reduce operational costs

• Increase predictability for more effective planning

• Stay operational in all weather conditions

Enjoy smooth gate operations with our proven concept

Our integrated solutions for the gate and apron area will make your gate operations safer, more efficient and environmentally-friendly.

Open the gate to future possibilities

If it is your ambition to expand to meet tomorrow’s traffic demands in a safe, efficient and sustainable way, it is time to act today. Our knowledge is based on thousands of system installations around the world. ADB SAFEGATE offers integrated solutions that automate the gate and apron area to optimize the turnaround process and maximize gate capacity. Our gate portfolio includes our Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) and SafeControl Apron Management.

Download Gate brochure