As airports navigate post-pandemic recovery, staying ahead of technological disruption is critical. While much of digital transformation in aviation focuses on the passenger experience and indoor, terminal-side upgrades, modernizing the operational side of airports is just as vital.
According to Ericsson research, airport costs per passenger are climbing while returns on investment capital and airline profit margin shrink. Turnaround delays, maintenance demands, and outdated communication systems contribute to inefficiencies.
Behind the scenes, airport operations rely on fragmented, outdated networks–hindering coordination and slowing decision-making. Modern airports demand modern, secure, and real-time communications solutions.
Push-to-talk: Moving from legacy to mission-critical PTT
Push-to-talk (PTT) is a critical component of airport communications, yet many systems remain outdated – restricted to voice-only functions and reliant on multiple single-purpose devices. These limitations create inefficiencies in an environment that demands seamless, real-time communication. Fortunately, there is a better way.
Streamwide’s Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) technology transforms airport communications with a unified platform, integrating voice, video streaming, and multi-media messaging – and advancing traditional PTT into a versatile “push-to-X” solution.
Powering this transformation: Ericsson's 4G/5G private networks, built on 3GPP standards, and enabling major airports in France digitalize operations and drive efficiency.
Streamwide and Ericsson power Paris airports’ digital transformation
Charles de Gaulle airport, operated by Group ADP, faced significant challenges with outdated communication networks. Issues such as fragmented communications, high maintenance costs, and limited data-sharing capabilities hindered efficiency. Older PTT walkie-talkies led to inefficiencies, forcing workers to use personal devices, posing security risks.
Partnering with Hub One Digital Technologies, Ericsson deployed a private LTE private network with 5G-ready capabilities, featuring both macro and small cell radios. Built on this network, Streamwide’s All-in-One Team on mission MCx solution delivers advanced PTX services to Charles de Gaulle, including communications, geolocation, emergency alerts, dispatch, and control.
The private network spans all indoor and outdoor airport spaces, supports more than 120,000 employees who work across the three airports, accelerating digitalization and enhancing efficiency, safety and real-time coordination in mission-critical scenarios.
By integrating IoT connectivity and automation — such as dynamically connecting users to PTT channels based on their location in environments like airports — Streamwide’s solution enhances efficiency and enables real-time collaboration. This streamlined approach reduces manual processes, accelerates decision-making, and supports more efficient workflows, transforming how teams coordinate in mission-critical scenarios.
Advantages over legacy systems
Legacy technologies often requires multiple devices for specific tasks, sometimes driving workers to use their personal devices for communication – posing risks such as data leaks, malware, and unauthorized access to sensitive airport systems, among other threats.
These legacy devices also operated in silos, offering limited operational flexibility. Typically, each device could perform only one function, forcing workers to rely on several tools. Streamwide’s mobile solution consolidates multiple complex tasks into one device – while Ericsson’s private 4G/5G networks deliver the security, high bandwidth, and reliability needed to support such advanced applications.
The airports are already seeing results, including:
- Improved coordination between multidisciplinary teams
- Faster ROI and lower maintenance costs
- Optimized operations management
- Enhanced traceability and compliance
- Reliable communication during crises
Next steps: 5G and beyond
The next phase at Charles de Gaulle involves rolling out 5G, enabling enhanced OT/IT integration for capabilities like automated maintenance reporting and advanced staffing plans. With 5G, the airport experiences seamless integration with business platforms, supporting automated maintenance reports and staffing plans.
As airports transition away from legacy hardware, sourcing and replacing parts becomes increasingly more costly and challenging. Streamwide’s solutions, powered by private 4G/5G networks, rely on software upgrades rather than hardware upgrades, enabling more efficient and cost-effective updates down the line.
Key considerations for modernizing PTT solutions
Airports looking to modernize operations, including PTT solutions, should consider several key factors:
- Future proofing: Solutions must evolve with operational demands.
- Security and privacy: Private networks provide enhanced security by keeping data on-site and through SIM encryption.
- Communication at the core: Advanced tools improve coordination across teams.
- Scalability and flexibility: Solutions must grow with evolving operations.
- Integration with existing systems: Minimize disruptions by integrating with legacy systems.
- Staff training and adoption: Invest in training to maximize adoption and usability.
Paving the way for smart airport infrastructure
As technology evolves and new tools become available, cutting-edge software solutions supported by private LTE and 5G networks keep airports at the forefront of industry innovation. Private networks enable real-time communication tools for voice, data and video communication, streamline operations for baggage handling, security, and maintenance, and provide the bandwidth and low latency needed for automation and IoT integration. With these networks, airports are poised integrate future innovations, like autonomous vehicles, AI-driven analytics, and augmented reality applications within the ecosystem.
Airports adopting these next-generation solutions are leading the way in transforming the aviation industry. By embracing digital transformation now, they can enhance operational efficiency and future-proof their infrastructure to meet tomorrow’s standards.
