London Gatwick is trialling new Smart Stand technology, which could revolutionise the way aircraft turns are managed at the airport. The ambitious, first-of-its-kind trial, which is being run with London Gatwick’s largest airline easyJet, enables a Turn Coordinator (TCO) to manage an aircraft turn from a control room, record turn events automatically and apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict when the aircraft is ready to leave.
It is hoped the new Smart Stand technology could enhance safety procedures and improve stand utilisation and efficiencies of the airport’s day-to-day operations.
By allowing jet bridge operators to manage aircraft turns without needing to attend every arriving aircraft, the Smart Stand has the potential to enable consistently fast turnarounds and help maintain punctuality.
“London Gatwick is the world’s most efficient single-runway airport,” said Abhi Chacko, Head of Innovation, London Gatwick. “We handle up to 55 movements an hour, and aircraft turnaround is the most important activity for maintaining on-time performance. Currently, activities are measured manually and have to be performed by staff on the ground, going from stand to stand. Smart Stand has the potential to significantly improve the aircraft turn process, bringing a range of benefits to airlines, ground handlers, the airport and most importantly, passengers. For example, once this innovation is approved for regular operations, it will enable aircraft to enter the Smart Stand and let passengers out, without anyone having to physically go to the stand. This trial highlights our commitment to finding innovative solutions and we are excited to review the results.”
The technology also has the potential to enhance the staff experience, with TCOs being able to more efficiently and effectively manage passenger arrivals from one central location and automating processes with easier to use reporting tools.
Anti-collision control technology could also further reduce the risk of potential damage to an aircraft from possible jet-bridge impact.
“As London Gatwick’s largest airline with 22 million of our customers travelling through the airport each year, we are pleased to support the trial of initiatives like Smart Stand to help enhance airport resilience and passenger experience and we look forward to seeing the outcome of the trial,” said Hugh McConnellogue, Director of Gatwick, easyJet.
The innovation is part of VINCI Airports’ strategy to improve airport infrastructure and management, including the dissemination of innovative ideas across its network of more than 70 airports in 13 countries. London Gatwick is an Innovation Centre of Excellence for VINCI Airports, and Smart Stand is the latest in several innovative solutions pioneered by the airport. Others are now used in airports across the VINCI network, including the Airport Community App.
