Fraport will use ADB Safegate’s advanced visual docking guidance and apron management solutions to future-proof apron operations at Frankfurt’s new Terminal 3.
Airport operator Fraport has awarded ADB Safegate a five-year framework agreement which includes the delivery and installation of 65 Safedock X advanced visual docking guidance systems (A-VDGS) and the expansion of the airport’s existing SafeControl Apron Management system for the new Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
Terminal 3 will be equipped with ADB Safegate’s Safedock X, a new generation A-VDGS that combines cutting-edge display capabilities to improve situational awareness with state-of-the-art sensors, including a radar sensor, to ensure safe, rapid aircraft docking during all visibility conditions.
In addition to docking guidance and the RIDS information medium, we expect other advanced capabilities of the Safedock system
Together with AiPRON Manager (formerly known as SafeControl Apron Management), the A-VDGS are uniquely capable of collecting and sharing data to further improve operations. Fraport will utilise the larger, full-colour display of the Safedock X as a ramp information display system (RIDS) to share real-time information with flight and ground crews, helping avoid delays and further shorten gate turns.
“In addition to docking guidance and the RIDS information medium, we expect other advanced capabilities of the Safedock system – such as the radar sensor during LVO [low-visibility operations], gap filler to support the ground situation display, video cameras to provide images to our operational services or other systems, as well as stand-alone RIDS displays via 5G – will become central in the future,” said Rainer Baier, system manager A-VDGS airside, Fraport.
Driving digitalisation
In March, ADB Safegate and Fraport signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them work together to bring seamless integration between the tower and apron operations with industry-leading digital solutions. The parties agreed to enter the strategic partnership based on a common interest in driving digitalisation, automation and sustainability at Frankfurt Airport.
The Terminal 3 construction project is one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects and is scheduled to open in 2026. With three piers, the new terminal will handle 19m passengers a year.
Image: ADB Safegate
