Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Gatwick trialling advanced Smart Stand tech

Gatwick is trialling new Smart Stand technology, which could revolutionise the way aircraft turns are managed at the airport.

Image courtesy London Gatwick Airport / VINCI Airports

The ambitious, first-of-its-kind 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 AI to predict when the plane is ready to leave.

Advertisement
Teledyne

It is hoped the new Smart Stand technology could enhance safety procedures and improve stand utilisation and efficiencies 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 more efficiently and effectively manage 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 on 6th May and is expected to run until next summer.

Abhi Chacko, Head of Innovation, London Gatwick said: “London Gatwick is the world’s most efficient single-runway airport. 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.

Advertisement
Teledyne

“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 innovative solutions and we are excited to review the results.”

Hugh McConnellogue, Director of Gatwick, easyJet said: “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 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 is an Innovation Centre of Excellence for VINCI Airports, and Smart Stand is the latest in several innovative solutions pioneered by the airport. Others are now used in airports across the VINCI network, including the Airport Community App.   

London Gatwick also recently hosted its inaugural Innovation Summit at its specialist, on-site STEM centre.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Aerospace

Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

10 July 2025

Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1st January 2026.

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

Aerospace

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

10 July 2025

One of the largest suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shell Aviation, along with Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has announced today that Avelia is in the process of evolving into an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multisupplier model helping users access the greenhouse gas (GHG) ...

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

Aerospace

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

9 July 2025

Heathrow is harnessing advanced technology to make aircraft ground operations faster, smarter and more seamless across 116 gates at Terminals Two, Three and Five, as part of a strategic collaboration with IAG and Assaia.

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

Aerospace

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

8 July 2025

Viasat today announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time.

Advertisement
Teledyne
ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

Aerospace

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

8 July 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements resulting from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic ...

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advertisement
Teledyne