The airport authorities identified a need to replace the existing analogue radio system, and wanted a solution with higher security standards and built in scalability that would allow additional users and the integration of other airport technology.
Following an evaluation process and competitive tender, airport authorities choose Sepura TETRA radios supported by Teltronic’s Nebula TETRA infrastructure. The airport needed a scalable communications system that offered flexibility for varied work groups, with the highest level of encryption to ensure security, and robust radios with a long working life.
Sepura provided SC20 radios that can streamline essential processes by automating responses. One example of that is its ability to provide GPS location to the control room.
Using the SC20’s second data bearer, the radios can be connected to the airport’s Wi-Fi service, enabling integration with existing airport data and control systems. The radios’ high transmitter power extends coverage where lower power radios struggle. This is a key feature of the security capability for the airport, ensuring that users based in remote locations, underground facilities or within large building are kept in touch with the control room.
Manohar Rajbhandari, director at the Tribhuvan International Airport Civil Aviation Office, commented, “The deployment of a TETRA network allows the airport to co-ordinate the day-to-day operations of its various work teams and provides a higher level of service to both passengers and airlines. The benefits of a reliable, high quality network using radios that connect everyone, everywhere, are evident throughout airport operations. Fleets of staff carrying out daily maintenance and cleaning can work in synchronisation with airline personnel, security and luggage handlers to keep the flow of passengers and flights moving.”
Shiv Prakash Khemka, Director at Mahavir Shree International, led the deployment of the network. He added, “It was clear that TETRA was a perfect technology to support the airport’s operations. Working directly with end users, we were able to demonstrate the excellent audio quality achieved through Sepura’s SC20 radios, whilst also demonstrating how advanced safety features could support lone workers. The airport now has communications across the entire site, covering every worker, ensuring their safety.”
The airport serves as an international hub for over 30 domestic and international airlines, and over 7 million passengers passed through it in 2018. Situated in Kathmandu Valley, the airport has a passenger terminal, extensive outdoor maintenance facilities, parking areas and other large buildings. The entire site is covered by the new TETRA network, ensuring that airport workers and security personnel are in constant communication with the control rooms.
As well as Tribhuvan, Sepura’s TETRA solutions have been deployed in numerous airports worldwide, including Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport, London Heathrow and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport.
Above: Tribhuvan International Airport is now covered by a TETRA network, ensuring all users are connected to a reliable, intelligent radio network.
