Wireless technology could revolutionise airport systems

The information was sent over a prototype wireless system called Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System, or AeroMACS, developed by Hitachi.

The Hitachi system is based on WiMAX wireless communication standards, but uses different frequencies (in protected AM(R)S spectrum (5091-5150 MHz)) for airport surface applications to enable connectivity on the ground.

To receive this type of information, pilots traditionally have relied on voice communication with air traffic control or their airline operations centre as wireless technologies don’t support high data throughputs. However, this new system has the potential to reduce human error and enable pilots to gain access to the information they need more easily.

AeroMACS is essentially a broadband wireless mobile communications technology in protected AM(R)S spectrum (5091-5150 MHz) for airport surface applications that involve safety and regularity of flight, and features a physical and MAC layer standard based on the commercial WiMAX Forum profile of the IEEE 802.16-2009 standard.

In addition, an airport communication system uses a vast amount of underground cables which, by their very nature, make repairs and changes difficult. Replacing this entire infrastructure with wireless technology has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and down-time.

AeroMACS technical lead Rafael Apaza said: “We were able to send multiple applications to the aircraft at the same time and exchange surveillance and advisory flight information with fixed facilities without losing any data. This wireless communications capability will deliver great benefits to US airport operations.”