ADB Safegate to upgrade DFW Airport’s A-VDGS

ADB Safegate has secured a contract to upgrade its Safedock advanced visual docking guidance systems (A-VDGS) and apron management system at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport in the US.

The airport has been using A-VDGS for more than ten years and relies on the system’s 3D laser scanning technology for safe and efficient automated aircraft docking in all weather conditions.

A-VDGS enables the maximum use of gates, helping to support high traffic handling capacity.

DFW Airport has now awarded a contract to ADB Safegate to update the A-VDGS at terminals A, B, C and D with the latest technology and install docking systems on gates at Terminal E.

DFW will be the first airport in the US to have A-VDGS on every gate upon completion of installation on Terminal E.

ADB Safegate Americas CEO Joe Pokoj said: “Our 2008 installation at DFW was a key project in our company’s history. It was the first airport / airline A-VDGS collaboration and introduced the ability to dock and deplane aircraft during lightning events in the US.

“Expanding the use of our solutions airport-wide will help DFW ensure the same consistent, safe and efficient airside operation for all its carriers.”

The Belgian airfield lighting solutions provider will also be responsible for connecting the new A-VDGS to the airport’s SafeControl Apron Management System (SAM).

Integration of the SAM system at DFW will help to communicate flight and turn information to crews to streamline the turn process and improve safety and efficiency.

ADB Safegate has already replaced 39 of the original docking systems on Terminal D. The installations at terminals A, B, C and E will start this year and are scheduled to be completed in phases over the next few years.