Vertical: Airports
Application: Video analytics, AGVs
Ecosystem: NTT
Private Network: 5G
Fraport, the Frankfurt Airport operator, is making significant strides in leveraging state-of-the-art technology for its operations, as it fully embraces a private 5G network. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and provide improved services.
Fraport’s decision to deploy a private 5G network is motivated by its drive to fully control its network infrastructure. This approach will enable the firm to customize its network performance according to its unique operational requirements. The private network will offer enhanced data security and robust connectivity, which are fundamental in a busy airport environment. This will be one of the largest private 5G networks in Europe.
The Frankfurt Airport will enjoy the benefits of optimized data transmission and significantly improved wireless communication. Applications will include autonomous vehicles, video analytics, and eventually, drones and patrolling robots. This upgrade will further enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and customer experience.
Fraport’s CIO, Dr. Wolfgang Standhaft, explained: “Operating a standalone mobile network is a milestone for us as an airport operator. We are laying the strategic foundations that will help us make airport operations even more efficient in the future, thanks to innovation and digitalization. With NTT, we have a strong and experienced partner with whom we will trial the new technology and develop use cases.”
The awarded 5G license and the strategic partnership with NTT Ltd. were essential pre-requisites for Fraport to launch the private 5G campus network at Frankfurt Airport. Work on building the 5G network infrastructure at FRA is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2022. The two project partners will start testing the new technology in a selected area of the airport. At the same time, they will evaluate the first use cases in the areas of automation, robotics, sensors, localization, and communication.
From 2023 onward, the network infrastructure will gradually be expanded across the entire airport premises, which covers more than 20 square kilometers. Fraport’s other partner companies at Frankfurt Airport will then also be able to obtain access to the 5G campus network.
