Air travel has become an integral part of our modern society, enabling people to connect, businesses to expand globally, and economies to thrive. However, with the increasing demand for air transportation, ensuring efficient operations and minimizing delays has become a pressing concern for both airlines and passengers. One critical aspect of optimizing air travel lies in reducing aircraft turnaround times, and an essential tool in achieving this is the implementation of Visual Docking Guidance Systems (VDGS). In this blog, we’ll dive into the pivotal role VDGS plays in reducing aircraft turnaround times and ensuring a smoother travel experience for all.

Precision Parking:

One of the most critical aspects of aircraft turnaround is parking. Imagine a massive aircraft attempting to align itself perfectly with the terminal gate without any assistance. It would be a time-consuming and error-prone task. VDGS comes to the rescue by providing real-time guidance to pilots during parking. This ensures that the aircraft is positioned accurately at the gate, saving valuable time that would otherwise be spent on adjustments.

Data-Driven Optimization:

Some VDGS systems are equipped to collect data on aircraft movements. This data can be analyzed to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in airport operations. Armed with this information, airports can make informed decisions to improve their overall efficiency.

Seamless Communication:

VDGS often integrates with airport communication systems, enabling real-time communication between ground crews, air traffic control, and the flight crew. This seamless coordination streamlines processes, from pushback to take off, making the turnaround process more efficient.

Reduced Engine Run Time:

Efficient parking guidance can reduce the time an aircraft’s engines are running, leading to lower fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs.

Improved Workflow:

VDGS helps coordinate ground crew activities more effectively, optimizing the entire turnaround process. Efficient management of this time is vital for airlines to increase their operational efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Delayed turnaround times not only disrupt airline schedules but also impact other flights relying on timely runway utilization, leading to cascading delays in the entire aviation network.

Developed indigenously under the AAI startup initiative is our recent innovation- SmartDockAI – a Smart Visual Docking Guidance System– which has been created using sophisticated technologies designed to assist pilots during the docking process, enabling them to safely manoeuvre aircraft into parking positions at airports.

Our system utilizes a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced AI based computer algorithms to provide real-time guidance, feedback, and visualization to pilots, thereby improving their situational awareness and precision during the docking procedure.

Key features of the SmartDockAI- SVDGS:

• 3D LIDAR Technology for Accurate Ranging
• Thermal Sensors for Harsh Weather
• Obstacle Detection in Aircraft Path
• Multiple Communication Interfaces Supported
• Pole/Wall Mount Supported
• ICAO Annex 14 & DGCA CAR Section 4 Series B Part 1 AVDGS Specification Compliant

We have successfully tested and deployed Smart Visual Docking Guidance System (S-VDGS) at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata under the guidance of Airports Authority of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

We will continue to bring more such innovations and advancements in the field of technology and further improving the safety and efficiency of aircraft docking procedures and automation of various airport operations.

Author: Abya Krita Verma