Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the airport operator of Orlando International Airport (MCO), has signed a contract with AERO BridgeWorks for the installation of ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) and SafeControl Apron Management.

The automated solution will provide a secure and efficient ramp while supporting the common-use gate environment at the new terminal.

GOAA planning engineering and construction senior director Davin Ruohomaki said: “Orlando International Airport is still Florida’s busiest airport. Recent passenger numbers reflect a growing confidence among air travellers, and we’re preparing to better serve them, as well as our airline partners. We feel that the use of technology will ultimately translate to a smoother passenger experience.”

The new airport terminal will feature 16 airline gates, with the capacity to accommodate at least 21 aircraft.

The contractor has ordered 23 new Safedock A-VDGS units, with the option to add more after the airport moves to Phase 1 of the expansion project.

AERO BridgeWorks president Jay Grantham said: “AERO has been a partner with GOAA since the 1990’s; we have safely and successfully delivered dozens of gate projects at MCO and value the relationship.

“We are excited to now support the South Terminal, the airport’s largest expansion project to date. ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock is the world’s most widely deployed A-VDGS and will offer a flexible gate operation for a more consistent travel experience.”

SafeControl Apron Management solution will also be supplied by ADB SAFEGATE.

By linking the Safedock A-VDGS to the airport’s AODB (Airport Operations Database), SAM automates the docking procedure, allowing the sharing of flight information with the A-VDGS prior to arrival.

It also utilises the A-VDGS for tracking aircraft at the gate and sends precise gate availability information to stakeholders, enabling gate assignments to be made in real-time.

To further smoothen the aircraft turn process, the Safedock A-VDGS will also serve as a ramp information display system (RIDS) to update the flight and ground crew with vital flight information.

In addition, ADB SAFEGATE will also deliver airfield lights for the South Terminal project.

The new Safedock systems, which will be installed during 2021, will commence operations after the opening of the South Terminal in the spring of 2022.

Since 2012, JetBlue Airways has been using Safedock A-VDGS on their gates at the airport.