Fraport AG will future-proof apron operations at new Terminal 3 with technologies and solutions from ADB SAFEGATE

The latest technologies in advanced visual docking guidance and apron management will help deliver faster, safer and greener turnarounds at Frankfurt Airport

Fraport AG 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.

Together with AiPRON Manager (former SafeControl Apron Management), the A-VDGS are uniquely capable of collecting and sharing data to further improve operations. Fraport will utilize the larger, full-color display of the Safedock X as a Ramp Information Display System (RIDS) to share real-time information to flight and ground crews, helping avoid delays and further shorten gate turns.

The A-VDGS are one of the critical central systems at FRA used on the airside for handling flight operations. “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, 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,” says Rainer Baier, System Manager A-VDGS Airside, Fraport AG.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with ADB SAFEGATE to bring the latest technology for our customers and our operations to the next level,” adds Michael Löb, Product Manager ASMGCS, Fraport AG. “Not only will the improved availability of the Safedock X, with its LiDAR and radar sensors, help enhance and stabilize operations during low visibility, but it will contribute to our sustainability goals* with more sustainable components and by reducing emissions through faster, more efficient aircraft parking and turnarounds.”

In March, ADB SAFEGATE and Fraport AG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) combining efforts 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 to drive digitalization, automation and a positive impact on sustainability at FRA.

“We are looking forward to continuing a long-term and strategic partnership with FRA with our innovative technology. Together we can accelerate our common digital transformation and automation journey and support the growth and sustainability goals of Fraport.” said Judith Kruse, Area Sales Manager at ADB SAFEGATE.

Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s busiest airport and was the fourth busiest in Europe in 2019 serving more than 70M passengers. The Terminal 3 construction project is one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects and is scheduled to open in 2026. With three Piers, Terminal 3 will handle 19M passengers yearly.

*Fraport is committed to reducing CO₂ emissions at the Frankfurt site to under 50,000 tons per year by 2030 and to be CO₂ free by 2045, i.e., emit no more emissions.