Calgary International Airport (YYC), one of Canada’s busiest airports, opened a new state-of-the-art terminal on October 31, 2016. Passenger volumes have nearly doubled at YYC from 8 million in 2000 to over 15.4 million in 2015, and the new addition makes future growth possible. The new five-level facility which is primarily for U.S. and international-destined traffic, was the final phase of an over $2 billion expansion project that included a new runway which opened in 2014. With the completion of this expansion project, YYC is positioned for even more growth.
To maintain safety and the most efficient use of gates, the Calgary Airport chose ADB SAFEGATE’s world-class airfield lighting and automated aircraft docking solutions for its new runway and new and existing terminal gates.
The airport selected ABD SAFEGATE’s Safedock advanced visual docking guidance systems (A-VDGS) and SafeControl Apron Management software, because of its ability to ensure the safe and efficient automated marshalling of aircraft.
The first phase of the installation took place in 2013 with 38 Safedock A-VDGS installed on existing gates at the Airline Terminal Building. During construction of the new terminal, ADB SAFEGATE installed an additional 28 Safedock systems on the new international gates, as well as its SafeControl Apron Management software at both terminals.
"Calgary International Airport added Safedock A-VDGS to allow the continuous and automated marshalling of aircraft during all operating conditions, which ensures efficiency for our growing and very busy international hub,” said Bernie Humphries, Vice-President, Operations for The Calgary Airport Authority.
The A-VDGS also supports the common use operation on the airport’s new international gates with the flexibility to park any aircraft type at any available gate. This common-use approach ensures the best use of available facilities and consistent service.
“We have been building a relationship with The Calgary Airport Authority and their airline partners for many years, and the consultants on the project have also worked with ADB SAFEGATE on other projects and have a very favorable view of our performance. This created a close collaboration on this project from the design phase through implementation,” said Joe Pokoj, CEO Americas for ADB SAFEGATE. “Keeping with our vision to enable airports and airlines to operate more safely, efficiently and sustainably, our automated gate solutions will ensure Calgary Airport enjoys more efficient apron operations.”
YYC’s new runway is the longest in Canada and includes 5,000 airfield lighting fixtures, signs, approach lighting, ALCMS and power solutions from ADB SAFEGATE to enable greater airfield safety as well as energy and maintenance savings. The installation was also a showcase for ADB SAFEGATE’s power line carrier technology, installed as part of the airport’s Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (SMGCS), to enable high-speed individual lamp control and monitoring for stop bar and taxiway lead-in control, in-pavement runway guard lights and aircraft sensor detection.
