London Gatwick Trials Smart Stand Technology to Revolutionize Aircraft Turns

London Gatwick is trialling new Smart Stand technology in collaboration with its largest airline, easyJet, to improve the efficiency of aircraft turns. This groundbreaking technology could change how aircraft operations are managed at the airport, helping to reduce turnaround times and increase safety.

Key Features of Smart Stand Technology

Smart Stand technology allows aircraft turns to be performed remotely from a central control room. This includes managing the safe entry onto the stand, operating jet bridges, door control, and monitoring the entire turn event. By automating these processes and applying artificial intelligence (AI) to predict when an aircraft is ready to depart, the technology aims to improve operational efficiencies and punctuality.

Enhancing Safety and Operational Efficiency

The new technology is expected to enhance safety by incorporating anti-collision control, which reduces the risk of damage from jet bridge impacts. Additionally, by allowing Turn Coordinators (TCOs) to manage aircraft turns without physically being on-site, the Smart Stand increases the airport's ability to maintain consistent and rapid turnaround times.

This technology also promises to improve staff efficiency by centralizing the management of passenger arrivals and automating reporting tools, streamlining operations, and reducing manual tasks.

Trial Period and Expected Outcomes

The first live trial of Smart Stand technology took place on May 6, 2024, and will continue until next summer. Abhi Chacko, Head of Innovation at London Gatwick, emphasized the airport’s commitment to innovation, noting that the Smart Stand could significantly improve aircraft turn processes, benefiting airlines, ground handlers, and passengers.

Once the system is approved for regular operations, it will allow aircraft to enter the Smart Stand and let passengers disembark without staff needing to physically go to the stand. This will make the turn process faster and more efficient.

easyJet’s Support for the Trial

Hugh McConnellogue, Director of Gatwick at easyJet, expressed the airline's enthusiasm for supporting innovations like Smart Stand, which improve airport resilience and the overall passenger experience. easyJet, which serves 22 million customers at London Gatwick annually, looks forward to the results of the trial to see how the technology can enhance operations.

VINCI Airports’ Broader Innovation Strategy

The trial of Smart Stand is part of VINCI Airports’ broader strategy to improve airport infrastructure and management across its network of more than 70 airports. London Gatwick serves as an Innovation Centre of Excellence for VINCI, and Smart Stand is the latest in a series of innovations developed at the airport, including the Airport Community App, which is now used across the VINCI network.

London Gatwick’s ongoing efforts to innovate were also recently highlighted by the airport’s inaugural Innovation Summit, held at its specialized STEM centre.