ADB SAFEGATE has won three awards in the 2025 Airport Technology Excellence Awards for its achievements in Marketing, Research and Development (R&D), and Social Impact. The awards reflect the company’s approach to advancing airport operations through effective communication, technological innovation, and community engagement.
The Airport Technology Excellence Awards honor the most significant achievements and innovations in the aviation industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies leading positive change and shaping the future of the industry.
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ADB SAFEGATE won the Marketing award in the Strategic Storytelling category for its innovative approach to communicating complex airport technologies through engaging storytelling. Its groundbreaking advancements in intelligent runway monitoring earned the R&D award in the Intelligent Infrastructure category, while its commitment to fostering sustainability and community engagement was honored with the Social award in the Community Innovation category.
Strategic storytelling drives Airside 4.0® marketing success
ADB SAFEGATE’s marketing campaign for the launch of Airside 4.0® stands out for its innovative use of storytelling to communicate complex technological advancements. The campaign was anchored by a visually compelling video themed “Harmony,” which illustrated how Airside 4.0® integrates digital transformation tools across all areas of airside operations, including airfield, gate, tower, terminal, and weather systems. This narrative approach made the benefits of Airside 4.0®, such as improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability, clear and relatable to a diverse audience.
The campaign’s effectiveness is evident in its results. By leveraging LinkedIn as the primary platform, ADB SAFEGATE targeted nearly 43,000 followers, many of whom are key decision-makers and stakeholders in the aviation industry. The video achieved over 13,000 impressions, which is eight times higher than the LinkedIn industry benchmark. Engagement metrics were equally impressive, with a 9.64% engagement rate, which is twice the industry average, and a 6.41% click-through rate, which is more than ten times the typical rate for similar campaigns.
What set the campaign apart was its ability to distill the technical aspects of Airside 4.0® into a story that resonated emotionally and intellectually with viewers. The video’s narrative highlighted the challenges airports face, such as workforce shortages, the need for better situational awareness, and sustainability pressures, and positioned Airside 4.0® as a transformative solution. The campaign’s creative execution, combined with data-driven targeting and performance analysis, reinforced ADB SAFEGATE’s image as an innovative leader and generated significant enthusiasm within the industry, as evidenced by high levels of reactions, reposts, and comments.
This strategic approach to marketing not only increased awareness of Airside 4.0® but also set a new standard for how complex airport technologies can be communicated to a global audience.
Intelligent infrastructure: 5G-enabled runway monitoring sets new R&D benchmark
ADB SAFEGATE’s pioneering work on intelligent runway monitoring, particularly through the deployment of 5G-enabled elevated lights at Antwerp Airport, was the key reason behind winning the Research and Development award. The project represents a significant advancement in airport safety and operational efficiency by integrating next-generation sensors and cameras directly into runway lighting infrastructure.
The system utilizes edge computing and AI-driven analytics to process data locally and provide real-time monitoring of critical runway parameters, such as light fixture alignment, temperature, pressure, humidity, and vibration. High-resolution cameras further enhance safety by detecting foreign objects, stopbar incursions, and adverse weather conditions like snow or ice accumulation. This comprehensive monitoring capability enables airport operators to identify and respond to potential hazards proactively, reducing the risk of incidents and minimizing costly runway closures.
A key innovation lies in the use of machine learning algorithms, which analyze the collected data to deliver predictive insights. This allows for early detection of maintenance needs and operational anomalies, supporting a shift from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies. The integration of 5G connectivity ensures that large volumes of data can be transmitted quickly and reliably to centralized analytics systems, enabling seamless oversight and timely decision-making.
The field performance of this system at Antwerp Airport has demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness under real-world conditions. By setting a new benchmark for intelligent runway monitoring, ADB SAFEGATE has showcased its commitment to advancing aviation technology and supporting the long-term adaptability of airport infrastructure. This project not only enhances safety and efficiency but also positions airports to meet evolving operational demands with scalable, future-ready solutions.
Community innovation: Supporting the next generation of sustainable engineers
ADB SAFEGATE’s Social award highlights its commitment to community engagement and the promotion of sustainability through educational initiatives. The company’s sponsorship of the Innoptus Solar Team, a group of Belgian engineering students who are world champions in solar car racing, exemplifies this approach.
The collaboration also includes educational outreach and live demonstrations, which engage a broader audience, sparking conversations about the role of technology in reducing carbon footprints and promoting climate-conscious advancements. The partnership addresses critical social issues, including climate change awareness and the importance of STEM education, while fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility among the next generation of engineers.
Through this initiative, ADB SAFEGATE reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility and community development. By supporting the Innoptus Solar Team, the company not only contributes to the advancement of sustainable technology but also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the industry. This approach aligns with broader industry goals of building a more sustainable and inclusive future for aviation and related sectors.
“At ADB SAFEGATE, we believe innovation is about making a meaningful impact. These awards celebrate the collaboration, ingenuity, and dedication that drive us to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions for the aviation industry.”
– Regardt Willer, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Business Development at ADB SAFEGATE
Company Profile
ADB SAFEGATE is a company that provides integrated solutions to airports, airlines, and Airport Navigation Service Providers (ANSP). We are proud to be leading the way with innovative and smart Airside 4.0® solutions that turn airports into smart airports, with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, safety and enhancing the passenger experience. Solutions include airfield lighting, power and control systems, airport, and tower software, docking automation, apron management, and aftermarket services.
With over 1,400 employees and over 2,700 airports in over 175 countries – from the busiest and largest to the fastest-growing airports – ADB SAFEGATE is dedicated to making air travel safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
To learn more about ADB SAFEGATE and our innovative Airside 4.0® solutions, please visit our website at adbsafegate.com
Visit the WIPO Brand Database for country-specific registrations of the Airside 4.0® trademark.
Contact Details
Links:
Website: https://adbsafegate.com/
Airside 4.0: https://adbsafegate.com/what-we-do/airside-40/
