American Airlines uses Safedock docking guidance to minimize tarmac delays and improve ramp operations at all of its major U.S. hubs
With the 2010 installation of Safedock systems on 30 gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, American Airlines now uses Safedock docking guidance systems at all four of its major U.S. hubs, which also include the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, Miami International Airport and JFK International Airport. Since its first Safedock installation in 2007, American has appreciated the benefits in increased efficiency and improved customer experience because of the system’s ability to significantly minimize delays during irregular operating conditions.
American Airlines is Safegate’s largest customer in the U.S.
A-VDGS systems have rapidly become the standard in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the concept is gaining momentum in the US. With 181 of its mainline gates now equipped with the Safedock system, American Airlines has become Safegate’s largest U.S. customer as well as an important strategic partner by driving innovation to better serve the needs of U.S. airlines and airports. For example, in 2008 American Airlines and the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport worked with Safegate to pioneer the ability to dock and deplane aircraft even when the ramp was closed due to lightning.
A valuable tool
Using a high performance laser range finder and LED display, Safedock guides pilots to within 10 cm of the stop position in a consistent, safe and time-saving manner, regardless of the weather, time of day or size of the aircraft. The built-in efficiency of the automated system helps to ensure that aircraft occupy a gate only as long as necessary, saving time and resources. At an airport with 20 gates, one extra docking per day is the equivalent of adding two new gates, resulting in deferring up to $20 million in capital investment.
By reducing aircraft taxi time and time to gate, the Safedock system helps airlines control fuel costs by reducing fuel burn, and protects the environment with the corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.
Reliable, timely and accurate data
The system is managed via a GOS gate operating system located at American Airlines’ headquarters providing a centralized view of all major hub operations. To further leverage their investment, the system includes RIDS (ramp information display system) to display critical flight information for ground and flight crew via the Safedock LED display whenever the system isn’t actively docking aircraft.
The data link between the docking systems and the information systems offers American timely and accurate data that can be used in real-time for improved gate management and over time for better gate planning.
