UK airport overhauls its voice comms system

A major UK Airport is overhauling its voice communications infrastructure — courtesy of Systems Interface and Frequentis — as part of an ongoing expansion.

The Frequentis VCS 3020X will provide flexible integration of analog and digital radio — replacing an outdated legacy system — at the Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), based in Northern England.

Meanwhile, Systems Interface — an aviation systems integrator — will project manage, supply, install and commission the technology.

An established end-to-end IP solution, the VCS 3020X suits airports of any size and fully complies with the ED-137B EUROCAE radio and telephone VoIP standardisation.

LBA Senior Air Traffic Engineer Ian Alty said the upgrade will help the airport better accommodate its typical four million annual passenger inflow, plus an increase of three million passengers forecast for the coming decade.

“This is a complex project in terms of integration and transition requirements, and we are confident that Systems Interface and Frequentis have the experience needed to ensure the process will be completed successfully,” Alty said.

Frequentis Vice President Hannu Juurakko said the deal is also an encouraging sign of things to come for the aviation sector, which has been blighted by ongoing air travel uncertainty during COVID-19.

“The award of this contract at this time is encouraging, as the industry readies itself for a return to normal operations,” he said.

Caroline Webster, Managing Director of Systems Interface, added: “We are proud to be selected for this important contract and to be part of the Leeds Bradford Airport growth strategy.”

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