Gatwick Airport in London is trialling smart stand technology that could improve the way aircraft turns are managed at airports.

The trial, which is being run with London Gatwick’s largest airline EasyJet, enables a turn coordinator (TCO) to manage an aircraft turn from a control room, record turn events automatically and apply artificial intelligence (AI) to predict when the plane is ready to leave.

It is hoped the technology could enhance safety procedures and improve stand use and the efficiency of the airport’s day-to-day operations.

By allowing jet bridge operators to manage aircraft turns without needing to attend every arriving aircraft, the smart stand has the potential to enable consistently fast turn arounds and help maintain punctuality. The technology also has the potential to enhance the staff experience, with TCOs being able to manage more efficiently and effectively passenger arrivals from one central location and automating processes with easier-to-use reporting tools.

Anti-collision control technology could also further reduce the risk of potential damage to an aircraft from possible jet-bridge impact.

The first live trial took place in May and trials are expected to run until next summer.

“London Gatwick is the world’s most efficient single-runway airport,” said Abhi Chacko, head of innovation at London Gatwick. “We handle up to 55 movements an hour, and aircraft turnaround is the most important activity for maintaining on-time performance. Currently, activities are measured manually and have to be performed by staff on the ground, going from stand to stand. Smart stand has the potential to significantly improve the aircraft turn process, bringing a range of benefits to airlines, ground handlers, the airport and, most importantly, passengers. For example, once this innovation is approved for regular operations, it will enable aircraft to enter the smart stand and let passengers out, without anyone having to physically go the stand. This trial highlights our commitment to finding innovations and we are excited to review the results.”

Hugh McConnellogue, director of Gatwick for EasyJet (www.easyjet.com), added: “As London Gatwick’s largest airline with 22 million of our customers travelling through the airport each year, we are pleased to support the trial of initiatives like smart stand to help enhance airport resilience and passenger experience, and we look forward to seeing the outcome of the trial.”

The innovation is part of the airport’s owner Vinci Airports’ strategy to improve airport infrastructure and management, including the dissemination of innovative ideas across its network of more than 70 airports in 13 countries. London Gatwick (www.gatwickairport.com) is an innovation centre of excellence (www.vinci-concessions.com/en/innovation) for Vinci Airports, and smart stand is the latest in several innovations pioneered by the airport. Others are now used in airports across the Vinci network, including the airport community app.