Gatwick Airport in the UK has implemented the VisionAir Cloud-based flight information display system (FIDS) to improve passenger communication.
VisionAir can be operated on battery-powered mobile screens with 4G connectivity, independent from other airport systems or infrastructure. The real-time system has been developed by AirportLabs.
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More than 1,200 screens are included in the implementation of the FIDS. It only takes up approximately 3Mbps of bandwidth, making it fast and responsive to updates.
The VisionAir system can run independently on some smart TVs without a computer controlling it behind the screen.
Gatwick Airport chief information officer Cathal Corcoran said: “Our vision was to develop a new generation system that is reliable, scalable and accessible from anywhere. 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.
“The VisionAir system is just one of many exciting digital initiatives our award-winning digital team is developing. We are transforming the way airport information is communicated and will soon allow passengers to interact with chatbots using Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp and other popular apps.”
The Cloud-based FIDS can be operated from an internet browser, without requiring any additional software to be installed.
Content can also be managed from a mobile or control room by other organisations within the airport, such as airlines and ground handlers.
It is also capable of controlling backlight for some screen models, which could help in reducing the system’s carbon footprint.
The VisionAir project started in 2015 as part of Gatwick Airport’s Cloud migration strategy.
