Airport digitalization powered by private 5G
Unlocking the future of aviation
Airports worldwide are fast-tracking their digital transformation journeys. With increasing passenger demands, sustainability goals, and operational complexity, digitalization is no longer optional—it's essential. At the heart of this transformation is an Edge Compute and AI platform powered by private 5G connectivity.
Why airports need a digital overhaul
Historically, airport systems have been fragmented, with data trapped in silos across multiple networks—WiFi, TETRA, public LTE, microwave, and M2M communications. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, security risks, and rising operational costs.
Key challenges airports face today:
- Poor below-wing connectivity due to signal blockage from aircraft wings
- Overloaded public 4G networks caused by passenger demand
- Patchy handoffs between indoor and outdoor areas
- Legacy systems like TETRA nearing end of life
- Limited situational awareness with static CCTV and disconnected systems
The solution: unified airport connectivity with private 5G
A private wireless 5G network, combined with enterprise-grade WiFi and edge computing, provides a secure, high-speed, and resilient infrastructure for mission-critical airport operations. This foundation enables new digital use cases, enhances real-time data access, and drives operational efficiency.
Discover how 5G private wireless is powering remote inspections
Lufthansa Technik, a leading aircraft maintenance provider, faced a challenge: conducting remote inspections of aircraft components required reliable and secure connectivity in large, complex hangars where traditional wireless technologies failed. 5G private wireless provided the answer, delivering consistent, high-bandwidth connectivity across vast areas, enabling remote inspections and transforming maintenance processes.
Benefits of private 5G for airports
End-to-end connectivity across airside and terminal
Enhanced bandwidth for both staff and passengers
Reliable, low-latency communication for time-sensitive operations
Support for real-time AI applications and video analytics
Stronger cybersecurity and data control
Top airport digitalization use cases
- Indoor high-accuracy positioning
- Outdoor asset tracking without the need for physical tags
- AI-based camera positioning systems for real-time visibility
- Faster aircraft turnaround times
- Real-time coordination of ground vehicles
- 360-degree camera views for marshalling cars
- Digital twins for full visibility over airport operations
- Drone-based perimeter inspections
- AI-powered situational awareness to detect anomalies instantly
- Push-to-video and group communications
- Lone worker monitoring, body cams, and biometric ID scanners
- Footfall sensors to optimize terminal flow and reduce wait times
- Increased Wi-Fi capacity for travellers
- Personalized alerts and journey updates via digital signage
- Sensors to track air quality, energy consumption, and emissions
- Smarter resource allocation to reduce environmental footprint
- Data-driven decisions for greener airport operations
- Check out our sustainability page for digitalization
- Virtual engine inspections with 4K camera check out the Lufthansa solutions use case
- Predictive analytics for early fault detection
- Faster decision-making and less aircraft downtime
Global success stories: Airports leading the way
Leading airports such as Brussels, Vienna, San Sebastián, Miami, and Los Angeles are already transforming with our end-to-end digitalization strategies powered by our flexible Edge and AI platform, powered by private 5G networks.
These airports report improved operational performance, enhanced traveller satisfaction, stronger safety measures, and reduced carbon footprints.
All-in-One digital airport ecosystem
Our ecosystem supports fast deployment and scalability through:
- Pre-integrated industrial devices
- Cyber security solutions from our partners OneLayer and Palo Alto Networks
- Ready-to-deploy solutions for video analytics, autonomous vehicles, connected workers, and enterprise security
Start your airport’s digital maturity journey
Digital transformation begins by replacing manual, analog workflows with self-service systems and automated task flows. From there, airports evolve toward real-time operations powered by AI, IoT, and digital twins. Contact us for an overview of your digitalization journey.
Let us help you build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable airport—fueled by private 5G and next-gen digital infrastructure.
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