The airport’s 1,200 new cloud-based screens now connect via a web browser from any operating system, whereas legacy FID systems require software to be loaded on a separate PC behind the screen.
This new system takes up only 3Mbps of bandwidth making it extremely quick at providing updates. It can run from an internet browser or battery-powered mobile device, using 4G connectivity if required – making it robust against network or power failures.
The new FID system – called VisionAir – can also run natively on smart TVs, saving on infrastructure and maintenance costs, and has awareness of screen positions with the airport, enabling it to target appropriate messaging for the situation. It can also control backlight, helping to reduce energy consumption where possible.
The VisionAir project started back in 2015 as part of Gatwick airport’s cloud migration strategy. AirportLabs developed the solution and the system went live by the middle of 2017 – and provided uninterrupted service since.
Chief Information Officer for Gatwick Airport, Cathal Corcoran, said: “We are the first major airport to introduce a cloud-based Flight Information Display System and the solution we now have in place is resilient, flexible and low cost with highly optimised data transfer.
Ligiu Uiorean, Director of AirportLabs also commented: “VisionAir has also been very well received by the airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders which now have a state-of-the-art tool that ensures effective communication with the passengers, irrespective of an advertising, business-as-usual or disruption scenario.
“It is projects like this which form the building blocks for the next generation travel experience and bring further gains even to the most efficient operations,” Uiorean said.
Corcoran went on to say that the VisionAir system is just one of many digital initiatives the airport is developing. “We are transforming the way airport information is communicated and will soon allow passengers to interact with chat bots using Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp and other popular apps.,” she said. “We are also exploring the use of the Internet of Things for improving situational awareness, machine learning for accurately predicting flight departure times and recently became the world’s first airport to deploy augmented reality wayfinding.”
