ADB Safegate’s system allows for aircraft to be tracked and enhances safety in adverse weather conditions
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s new concourse has been equipped with the ADB Safegate solution delivered by airside construction specialists, AERO Bridgeworks.
The 14-gate facility – which is operated by American Airlines – opened last week (April 20) and is a key component in the hub’s ‘Project Journey’ programme.
Due to its automated system, pilots are able to park aircraft with more precision and safety even during difficult weather conditions.
Jay Grantham, president at AERO BridgeWorks, said: “In the last five years, AERO has delivered several projects at Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), which are managed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). American Airlines is one of ADB SAFEGATE’s largest customers and will be using the Safedock technology to support its regional jet operations.”
The company implemented 14 Safedock A-VDGS’s, which were connected to the carrier’s pre-existing SafeControl Apron Management System (SAM) solution to automate the docking process. Together, flight information can be shared prior to arrival so that aircraft can be tracked.
The integration of SAM also allows for gate availability data to be shared with stakeholders.
“American Airlines uses Safedock A-VDGS on more than 400 gates at its largest US hub airports in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York/JFK, and is expanding the technology to other airports like Reagan National,” explains Joe Pokoj, CEO at ABD Safegate Americas.
“In the current COVID-driven market, this technology provides a highly agile and flexible operation that holds down costs, smooths out the bumps and positions the operator to return to normal levels of traffic and growth,” he added.
With its Ramp Information Display System (RIDS) capability, the aircraft turn process can be streamlined further to deliver updates on flights to ground crew via the Safedock display.
Incorporated in ‘Project Journey’ is the new concourse, alongside two new security checkpoints at the hub.
