Dublin Airport in Ireland has installed an automatic visual docking guidance system (A-VDGS) on all aircraft contact parking stands.

A-VDGS is an electronic display that provides real-time information to pilots as they park aircraft on arrival or prepare for departure.

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It is equipped with an infrared high-definition camera that scans the aircraft parking area for any possible objects that could affect the safety of the aircraft.

The camera identifies any large obstacles on the ground, such as equipment or baggage, which may block the stand and cause knock-on delays.

The airport expects the new technology to ensure faster aircraft turn-around time and improve safety.

Dublin Airport said that the deployment of the new solution saves fuel and curbs carbon emissions from the airfield as the aircraft and its support vehicles will not have their engines running unnecessarily.

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Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison said: “AVDGS is another example of technology enhancing airport processes that deliver huge benefits for the airport, its airline customers and passengers.

“It is a tried and trusted system of improving airport safety and efficiencies and supports Dublin Airport’s continuing drive for sustainability.”

A-VDGS will also support airline marshals who guide aircraft onto and off the parking stand. The marshal will feed key information including the aircraft type and other flight data into the AVDGS.

The system will measure aircraft clearances, stopping distances, and record the exact on and off stand times.

These recorded times are sent directly into the Airport’s Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, which focuses on aircraft turnaround times and pre-departure sequencing processes to boost air traffic flow and operational efficiency.

A-VDGS has a low visibility functionality that enables aircraft to park in extremely poor visibility conditions.

The deployment of A-VDGS is a Europe-wide initiative under the supervision of Eurocontrol, the European organisation for the safety of air navigation.

In July 2016, Dublin Airport signed a framework agreement with ADB Safegate to supply and install A-VDGS units.

The design and delivery of these A-VDGS units was managed in-house by Dublin Airport.

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