Airports

OPINION: It’s time for private 5G to take off in UK airports

OPINION: It's time for private 5G to take off in UK airports
Private 5G will be crucial in building a more resilient and adaptable aviation ecosystem (Image credit: BullRun/Adobe Stock)

With the resurgence of global travel and increasing passenger expectations, UK airports are looking for ways to better streamline operations and enhance the traveller experience. Private cellular networks powered by 5G offer a critical solution to these challenges and by embracing this technology, UK airports can position themselves as leaders in a new era of aviation.

Complimentary to Wi-Fi and legacy systems

For years, UK airports have relied on Wi-Fi and wired connections to manage their operations. While these systems have served their purpose, more is needed in a world of increasingly sophisticated digital services and real-time data demands. When use cases are in motion, you see inconsistencies in the performance of current systems.

This is where private 5G networks step in. Private 5G can support the diverse, fast-paced environment of a modern airport by offering a secure, dedicated, flexible and high-performance connectivity solution. These networks improve current operations and create the infrastructure to enable future innovations and elevate the aviation experience, such as AI-driven passenger services, real-time baggage tracking, autonomous vehicles and predictive maintenance powered by IoT (Internet of Things) sensors.

Why the UK must embrace Private 5G now

Airports are critical economic hubs that facilitate international trade, tourism and business travel. Their efficiency impacts not only passengers but also the broader economy. Private 5G offers the potential to streamline operations, reduce costs and elevate passenger satisfaction, which are all essential to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in the global aviation sector.

Further, private 5G aligns with the UK’s broader digital transformation goals, including modernising critical infrastructure, reducing reliance on outdated technologies and preparing for a more connected future. As the country phases out legacy copper lines and pushes for greater digitalisation, airports must adopt future-proof solutions to avoid disruption and keep pace with these national priorities.

By embracing private 5G, UK airports can safeguard against potential vulnerabilities such as network congestion or the limitations of ageing systems, ensuring seamless communication and data flow in the face of growing passenger numbers and operational demands.

Additionally, as airports expand to accommodate increasing traffic and new services, private 5G provides the flexibility, scalability and performance needed to support everything from enhanced security systems to autonomous vehicle integration. This not only future-proofs operations but also sets a benchmark for innovation across the global aviation industry.

The foundation of a smart airport is a private cellular network

Operational efficiency is the heartbeat of any airport. Imagine a terminal where technology and operations are seamlessly integrated to create an efficient, responsive environment that evolves with passenger and airline needs.

This is possible with private 5G. For example, baggage handling, a long-term source of passenger frustration, can be significantly improved with advanced technologies. Airports, including Newark International Airport, Schiphol in Amsterdam, and Gardermoen in Osloare already using radio frequency identification (RFID) to better track luggage in real-time, reducing mishandled baggage and speeding up processing times.

Private 5G networks take this a step further by providing the reliable, high-speed connectivity required to transmit RFID data seamlessly across the airport, including blackspots where traditional networks may struggle. This ensures that luggage tracking information is instantly available, even in high-traffic or remote zones, improving operational efficiency and reducing delays.

Similarly, private 5G can leverage real-time data and AI-driven insights to personalise and streamline every stage of the passenger experience within the airport. From automated check ins and biometric security to digital wayfinding that adjusts based on foot traffic, these improvements make travelling more pleasant for passengers and enhance their safety.

Retail is another area ripe for transformation. Airports are already exploring innovations like 24-hour cashier-less stores, but private 5G can push these advancements even further. By enabling augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, airports can offer interactive, personalised shopping that redefines the concept of airport retail.

Enhancing security

Security is another critical area where private 5G can make a difference. Current surveillance systems are often limited by where cameras can be installed due to physical problems of installing new cables or coverage blackspots. However, 5G-enabled devices can be placed anywhere in the terminal, increasing coverage and adaptability. These cameras can be paired with AI-powered analytics, allowing real-time object tracking and facial recognition, further enhancing security protocols.

The integration of edge computing with private 5G means that video feeds and other data can be processed on-site, allowing quicker responses to security incidents. This level of agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced airport environments, where conditions can change rapidly.

Building a sustainable aviation ecosystem

Sustainability goals are increasingly becoming a priority for airports, and 5G technology can help meet this challenge. Private 5G can reduce energy consumption and optimise airport infrastructure by enabling more competent resource management. For example, IoT devices connected via 5G can monitor energy use in real-time, providing greater insight into consumption and allowing airports to accurately measure the impact of any changes they make to reduce their environmental footprint.

In addition, private 5G networks can catalyse innovation. Airports that embrace this technology will be better positioned to partner with cutting-edge tech firms, start-ups and research institutions, as private 5G provides the advanced infrastructure needed to develop, test and implement innovative solutions at scale. This collaborative approach will foster new ideas and technologies to keep UK airports at the forefront of global aviation.

The time for private 5G is now

For UK airports, adopting private 5G is not just a matter of staying competitive. It’s about shaping the future of aviation. As the UK aviation industry looks to recover from recent global disruptions, there is an opportunity to reimagine how the sector operates. Private 5G will be crucial in building a more resilient and adaptable aviation ecosystem.

Adam Schipper is global vertical lead for aviation at Ericsson. 

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