Content management systems (CMS) are used to organize, plan, design, and distribute visual content to end devices and other platforms. It is a software-based solution that can include an application server and content players. The CMS is used to provide enhanced video content, including 4K high definition, to monitors throughout the airport. In a common use environment, the CMS can provide proprietary airline information and videos in the common use check-in and gate areas based on whichever airline is using those resources at the time. It should be noted that the 4K resolution enabled by CMS makes required signage legible (for example, the required FAA hazardous materials verbiage and TSA or CBP directions), and it is generally considered the minimal resolution to allow this functionality at reasonable font sizes. The network infrastructure needs to have the capability to actively display a wide variety of content, some of it almost certainly comprised of high-quality video, and some of that video will be time-synchronized.

Visual docking guidance systems (VDGS) provide information to assist pilots in parking an aircraft at the gate stand. These systems improve accuracy, enable the parking of an aircraft in extremely poor visibility and otherwise poor weather conditions (including when lightning has required the ramp to be cleared), assist in collision avoidance, and provide emergency stop alerts. VDGS are used in proprietary and common use installations to improve aircraft safety and can be tuned to “check” the ramp for obstructions to the aircraft, including a mis-parked passenger boarding bridge or baggage tug (the reality is that technology generally does a much better and more consistent job of this than human staff). When employed in common use, the VDGS can provide valuable data to inform the resource management function for improved situational awareness, such as actual blocks-on and -off times. The added safety provided to flight crew and passengers in adverse weather conditions has made VDGS an increasing “must-have” for airlines and airports alike.

Airport Systems-Enhance Passenger Experience

Interactive directories use touchscreen monitors to provide a map of the airport and information based on user interaction to quickly direct guests, visitors, and passengers to their desired location. Information can include wayfinding and destination information such as concessions, restrooms, and gates, as well as flight information and access to a help desk. These interactive directories generally all have a mobile link for directions. In addition to a touch screen monitor/system, the information can generally be made available to passengers on their mobile devices.

Visual paging allows all paged messages for passengers to be shown on display monitors. The functionality can also include the display of general and emergency audio messages throughout the airport. The display location may be integrated with the flight information display systems or be on independent monitors.

Virtual queuing, also known as a virtual queue management system, is a system that places customers in a virtual waiting line or queue where they do not have to physically stand in line to get a service. Customers can wait remotely as they are not confined to any waiting location. The queuing application typically communicates with passengers using SMS messaging. However, as this is a newer technology to the airport environment, it is expected that several improvements will be made in the coming years.

Wayfinding/indoor navigation system is a network of devices used to locate people or objects when GPS and other satellite technologies lack precision or fail entirely, which can happen inside multistory buildings, airports, alleys, parking garages, and underground locations. The systems use a mobile application and sensors (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) located throughout the facility to track the location of the user and provide directions to the desired destination.

Airport Systems-Support Airport Operations

Airport management systems (AMS) consist of a suite of integrated airport systems providing real-time information exchange. They utilize dashboards and interfaces for displaying, managing, and acting on information from systems such as FIDS, resource management, surface management, AODB, baggage handling, security, reporting, staff management, incident management, aeronautical billing system, CUPPS, CUSS, and LDCS. The AMS breaks down the boundaries between traditionally siloed IT systems by implementing big data technologies. They are adopting artificial intelligence and machine learning and provide real-time monitoring with key performance indicator tracking using the Internet of Things (IoT).

Audio paging provides the ability to deliver audio paging, messages, and emergency notifications throughout the airport facility using speakers, amplifiers, microphones, and paging stations. Software is also used to manage/schedule this audio messaging. Such paging can also be performed by localized zones, which is increasingly important to the “quiet airport” concept.

Baggage handling systems (BHS) transport and route baggage throughout the airport environment. They are made up of baggage belts, motors, conveyors, carousels, security doors, and piers. RFID tote systems or bag tags are used for enhanced baggage tracking. In common use environments, some airports have integrated separate BHS systems to allow for flexibility of input locations to route baggage to more gates. The common use system communicates directly with the BHS in many cases, providing data to the system (baggage sortation messages) and delivering process messages back (baggage process messages). The self-bag drop environment usually has added integration to the BHS.

Cashless processing machines allow airlines to effectively move away from cash acceptance and handling at the bag drop counter. For a small fee, these machines accept cash and issue a debit card for use by the customer with the airline. While a single airline or two started this move away from cash acceptance, almost all airlines are actively moving (or have moved) in this direction. Third-party companies (such as banks, payment companies, or credit card companies) are generally happy to provide cashless processing machines for free, in some cases even sharing a small amount of revenue with the airport operator.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems provide supervision and monitoring of operations in the various airport locations. These systems can provide event notifications, recording and streaming functions, and include cameras with capabilities such as 360-degree pan/tilt/zoom, thermal, and infrared. Utilizing advanced software, they can provide video analytics and biometric verification. Airlines often utilize their own CCTV systems in non-common use environments to oversee ramp operations. This is an important part of a holistic environment, wherein various stakeholders are provided with the appropriate camera views that they need-whether airlines, federal agencies, ground handlers, or others. And these views can be changed very dynamically at a moment's notice.

Distributed antenna systems are networks of antenna nodes that provide wireless service within a geographic area or structure. Within airports, these are used for radio systems (internal, police, fire, etc.), and Wi-Fi networks, which are used by almost all airport stakeholders. This may also increasingly include other private network installations, such as Citizens Broadband Radio Service-standard private wireless systems.

Digital twin is a virtual model of a process, product, or service. For an airport, it is a virtual model of the airport, or specific locations, where associated data for locations can be visualized in a digital map. This allows for analysis of data and monitoring of systems with detail down to specific locations, rooms, or areas. These systems often include an application dashboard and user interface, with integrations of operational and building-related information, which can include data from systems such as AODB, building information modeling (BIM), FIDS, RMS, staff management, billing and lease management, HVAC, baggage handling, IoT devices, computer vision, and LIDAR. Digital twins can utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and simulation modeling to provide map-based views in 3D, 2D, or augmented reality.

Surface management systems provide data on real-time aircraft and vehicle movement on the airport surface and in the terminal airspace. They are used for sharing critical data enabling collaborative decision-making, and can include integrated status messages and alerts, reporting, and prediction of demand.

Ramp control systems enable ramp controllers to manage ramp traffi­c safely and efficiently, and in the case of virtual systems, doing so from a remote location. These virtual systems are integrated with airport data sources (e.g., Airport Surface Detection Equipment -Model X and AODB) to deliver a graphical interface with real-time positioning and tracking of aircraft in the movement areas of the airfield. The systems typically include a large video wall, interactive real-time map display, and thermal high-definition pan/tilt/zoom cameras.

Weather data systems provide weather data services for various airport applications through a subscription service. In a common use environment, the weather data services can be shared with the airlines and other stakeholders throughout the environs, although some will sometimes choose to use their own weather data services.

Wireless networks: Wi-Fi has been the communication technology pushed into service that allows devices such as computers (laptops and desktops), mobile devices (smartphones and wearables), and other equipment (printers and video cameras) to interface with the internet. Airlines often utilize their own wireless networks (usually Wi-Fi, and often for baggage scanning) within airports.