Bayanat Airports to promote, sell and implement QinetiQ’s Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection system – Tarsier in the UAE

Bayanat Airports Engineering & Supplies, the leading airport systems integration provider, today announced that they have signed a distributor agreement with QinetiQ, a leading international defence and security technology company at the Airport Show 2009 in Dubai. As per the agreement, Bayanat Airports will represent, sell and implement QinetiQ’s state-of-the-art Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection system, Tarsier, in the UAE.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr Alan Bourjeily, general manager of Bayanat Airports Engineering & Supplies said: “We are happy to sign this distributorship agreement with QinetiQ in the UAE. QinetiQ has invested a lot in research and development and has introduced an innovative technology such as Tarsier for the industry. The Tarsier FOD detection system is a proven technology as it is already deployed in major airports, where as other vendors are still testing their solutions in the R&D stages. Tarsier will help airports detect FOD in near real time and will ensure airports can guarantee the safety of the runway in between the standard four inspections per day.

“Bayanat Airports offer a wide range of solutions ranging from terminal, ATC to runway systems. This partnership with QinetiQ will further boost our offering by adding increased runway safety solutions that complements our offering from A-SMGCS and multi-lateration.”

QinetiQ’s Tarsier system uses networked high-frequency and high-resolution radars to continuously sweep an airport runway for potentially hazardous items and a high specification camera to allow the visual confirmation of FOD. The system is automated and fully operational 24/7, in all weather conditions, day or night. FOD on the runway not only poses a safety risk, but can also lead to significant costs due to damage, delays and runway closures. Though it was originally designed for FOD detection, Tarsier can also inform the airport’s wider safety management system by detecting and identifying wildlife, such as birds on the runway. The system has already been deployed in regional airports such as Dubai International airport and Doha airport.

Mr Gary Abraham, director of customer solutions at QinetiQ Airport Technologies, said: “Bayanat is a renowned company in the field of airport systems integration and has successfully deployed a large number of projects in the last decade. Bayanat carries a portfolio of products that complement our Tarsier system and has a successful track record of implementing prestigious airport projects in the region. Bayanat’s local expertise and QinetiQ’s cutting edge technology make for an ideal partnership. QinetiQ has worked with Bayanat Airports on a number of projects in Dubai and Doha and we have decided to take this business relationship to the next level. Together we hope to contribute to increasing runway safety for airports in the region.”