ADB SAFEGATE wins project to modernize advanced visual docking guidance at Frankfurt International Airport

Safedock X with multiple sensors brings significant improvements to the turnaround process and low-visibility operations.

ADB SAFEGATE, a leading provider of airport performance solutions, has won a contract with Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt International Airport, to modernize its Advanced Visual Docking Guidance Systems (A-VDGS) with its state of the art system Safedock X.  The project includes the replacement of all Safedock T1 systems with 117 Safedock X units, as well as the installation and commissioning of AiPRON Manager, an Airside 4.0 platform that ensures future-proof operations.

With completion scheduled for mid-2026, the project will deliver significant improvements, including improved detection capability in low-visibility conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, or snowfall, thanks to the addition of a radar sensor in the Safedock X. The Ramp Information Display System (RIDS) function of the Safedock X will ensure better situational awareness for pilots and ground crew with a larger and more advanced display. Integrated cameras in the new systems will provide a full monitoring of the ramp activities which to further increase the safety and efficiency of the turnaround process while offering blurring capabilities to protect the privacy of ramp personnel.

Rainer Baier, Senior Project Manager Airside Systems at Fraport AG, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “The continuous modernization of the flight operating systems at Frankfurt Airport is a strategic priority, and the introduction of the Safedock X marks a significant milestone in our journey. Compared to its predecessor, the Safedock T1, this latest generation offers many innovative additions that significantly enhance the range of functions available to the airport.”

“We are looking forward to continuing our long-term and strategic partnership with Fraport by incorporating our latest innovative technologies supporting the digitization of the apron,” said Judith Kruse, Regional Sales Manager Apron at ADB SAFEGATE. “Together, we can accelerate our shared digital transformation and automation journey while contributing to Fraport’s growth and sustainability goals.”

The project marks a significant milestone for ADB SAFEGATE, as it is the first Safedock X order and full installation in Europe. ADB SAFEGATE has a long-standing history with Fraport, with whom it conducted a test installation of two Safedock X systems last year. The successful partnership has resulted in multiple workshops, with the most recent one held in February 2024, where we further defined our common roadmap.

Visitors to ADB SAFEGATE stand D160 in Hall 5.1 during the prestigious Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt from April 16-18 can experience a live demonstration of the Safedock X and AiPRON Manager. In addition, Steffen Günther-Schmitz, Fraport’s Head of Operational Procedures Airside, and Peter Håkansson, Director Product Management Apron at ADB SAFEGATE, will be speaking on ‘Airside Innovations at Frankfurt Airport’ during day one of the conference, April 16, at 9:05am.

About Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport

Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange, MDAX) is one of the world leading players in the global airport business. Fraport’s portfolio of companies spans four continents with activities at 30 airports worldwide. The Fraport Group generated revenue of €4.0 billion and profit of some €430.5 million in fiscal year 2023 (Dec. 31). More than 168 million passengers overall used airports actively managed by Fraport in 2023.

Fraport’s home-base Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is strategically located in the heart of Europe at the junction of vital intermodal road, rail, and air networks. The surrounding Frankfurt Rhine-Main-Neckar region serves as an economic powerhouse and logistics hub for Europe and the world. In 2023, FRA welcomed some 59.4 million passengers and handled about 1.9 million metric tons of cargo.