Ready for take-off at Frankfurt Airport

Germany’s largest airport opts for wireless CT-DECT systems

Friday, 11:19 a.m., a Lufthansa plane lands at Frankfurt Airport. It reaches its parking position and is on-block shortly afterwards. While the passengers are on their way to the baggage carousel in Terminal 1, the turnaround process begins around the aircraft. It should be ready for take-off again as soon as possible. The aircraft is refueled and unloaded at the same time. The aircraft is immediately loaded again in accordance with the loadsheet agreed between the ramp agent and loadmaster. After the check by the ramp agent and the boarding of the new passengers, it is reported ready for the off-block time. The pushback tractor is deployed to push the aircraft backwards away from the gate.

Secure and interference-free communication is essential despite the noisy environment. The processes are coordinated by the ramp agent. At Frankfurt Airport, this was previously connected to the aircraft with a cable.

Fraport AG is now introducing wireless CT-DECT systems in ground handling. Specifically: the CT-DECT Multi, a wireless communication system equipped with the unique CT-DECT technology. This allows up to five users to communicate with each other in full duplex in a self-sufficient radio circuit.

The parking position is reached

The ramp agent connects the CT-DECT Multi to the aircraft intercom and brings the cockpit into the radio circuit.

Contact the captain

During ground handling and pushbacks, the pilot can join in if necessary.

The check on the ground

The ramp agent and the loadmaster make sure that everything is in order on the machine. They communicate with each other completely wirelessly: they are connected via the CT-DECT Multi and their hearing is optimally protected thanks to the CT-HN headset.

Smartphone paired via Bluetooth

Ground crew members can also connect a smartphone to their CT-DECT Multi and use it to control calls.

The machine is reported ready at the off-block time

Towbar connect: The ramp agent connects the machine to the pushback tractor.

The pushback tractor pushes the aircraft to the tarmac

The ramp agent accompanies the procedure and is in contact with the cockpit. Thanks to the wireless connection, a sufficient safety distance is guaranteed.

Smooth operation thanks to CT-DECT technology

As soon as the aircraft reaches the position where it can continue taxiing forward, the pushback tractor is disconnected by the ramp agent. He informs the pilot and disconnects the CT-DECT Multi from the aircraft intercom. Now it's time for a good flight!

Wireless ground handling

The advantages of the CT-DECT Multi are manifold, for example …

  • intuitive, safe operation,
  • Unrestricted freedom of movement and greater range of motion,
  • No cable wear and breakage due to heavy use,
  • Even difficult areas are easier to access,
  • Additional users can be easily integrated,
  • Integrated Bluetooth for cell phone or BT headset,
  • No risk of lightning strikes during thunderstorms or electric shocks due to static electricity,
  • Robust, waterproof and dustproof: IP66 and IP67 classified and tested according to MIL-STD-810G (drop, oils, greases, alkalis).

The processes with the CT-DECT Multi

Once an aircraft has reached its parking position, a CT-DECT Multi is connected to the aircraft intercom at the start of ground handling. The ramp agent and loadmaster are equipped with the mobile CT-DECT Multi in conjunction with the CT-HN headset. They use this to communicate with the cockpit and the ground team’s radio circuit. The latter is open for continuous communication at all times, with the call participants communicating in full duplex mode, meaning they can hear and speak at the same time – without any noticeable delay and without having to press a PTT button.

Contact with cockpit and ground crew

The cockpit is switched on at the touch of a button on the CT-DECT Multi if required and is of course not permanently listening in. In addition, the ground crew has paired a cell phone via Bluetooth and can use it to make calls – “Accept call”, “Hang up” and “Redial” are possible directly via the CT-DECT Multi.

The mobile CT-DECT Multi is connected to the CT-HN headset by cable for the ground crew at Fraport. HN stands for “HighNoise”. The PPE headset offers optimum hearing protection. Thanks to the new freedom of movement, the headset, whose microphone arm is equipped with a noise-compensating electret microphone, can be worn permanently.

Frankfurt Airport also uses the new communication system for walkout training. The junior staff can simply “plug in” directly to the radio circuit. They can listen to everything and have optimum hearing protection at the same time.

Those responsible at Fraport AG appreciate the advantages of the CT-DECT system with the innovative CT-ComLink® technology: above all, the …

  • stable connection between cockpit and ramp agent,
  • very good range,
  • long battery life and easy battery replacement,
  • uncomplicated operability and
  • excellent noise shielding.

If you would like to find out more about the wide range of applications for CT-DECT systems, we would be happy to advise you personally. You can also find more information on their use in aviation on our website.

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