Singtel, CAAS launch 5G aviation test-bed at Changi Airport
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Michelle Zhu
IN PARTNERSHIP with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Singtel has launched a 5G aviation test-bed at the airside of Changi Airport Terminal 3, to trial and adopt new solutions using the fifth-generation mobile network.
The test-bed has been live since March, and will last two years, said CAAS and Singtel in a joint statement with Changi Airport Group on Friday (Jul 28).
CAAS will review the test-bed results and study their potential for wide-scale deployment at the airport.
The 5G aviation test-bed is one of CAAS’ air transport industry transformation initiatives to boost manpower productivity and raise operational capabilities post-Covid.
It is expected to help raise productivity for critical airside functions, including aircraft ground operations, ground handling and line maintenance services.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) now relies on the Gatelink Wi-Fi system to transfer data to aircraft for use during flight, but data transfer is currently limited.
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The test-bed is expected to enable SIA to cut down on its current long implementation lead-time, as well as usage of fibre-optic cables required to connect to wireless access points.
Aircraft parked in adjacent remote stands will also be able to receive data coverage through the test-bed. This was previously unfeasible.
Other potential use cases being explored for the test-bed include the advanced remote inspection of aircraft, and the use of video analytics and artificial intelligence to better predict aircraft turnaround time and drive on-time performance.
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Under the trial, nearly 4,000 Singtel 4G corporate mobile user lines have been upgraded to 5G lines. This is to facilitate the development of such use cases.
The telecommunications giant will extend its 5G network coverage to the public areas of all terminals by the end of 2025.
“With Singtel’s 5G powering this test-bed, participating agencies and solutions providers will be able to exploit our ultra-low latency, high-speed connectivity to develop and trial novel and innovative solutions that can enhance the operational efficiency and safety of flight operations at the airside and eventually apply them at scale,” said Singtel Singapore’s chief executive, Ng Tian Chong.
Solutions arising from the test-bed may include autonomous vehicles or robots that can be deployed in areas susceptible to environmental elements such as lightning strikes and storms, said Ng.
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