Bayanat Airports Engineering & Supplies, a leading airport systems integration provider, has signed a distributor agreement with QinetiQ, an international defence and security technology company, at the Airport Show 2009 in Dubai.

As per the agreement, Bayanat will represent, sell and implement QinetiQ’s state-of-the-art Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection system, Tarsier, in the UAE.

'The Tarsier FOD detection system is a proven technology as it is already deployed in major airports whereas other vendors are still testing their solutions in the R&D stages,' said Alan Bourjeily, general manager of Bayanat Airports Engineering & Supplies.

'Tarsier will help airports detect FOD in near real time and will ensure airports can guarantee the safety of the runway in between the standard four inspections per day.'

“Bayanat Airports offers a wide range of solutions ranging from Terminal, ATC to Runway Systems.  This partnership with QinetiQ will further boost our offering by adding increased runway safety solutions that complements our offering from A-SMGCS and Multi-lateration.”

QinetiQ’s Tarsier system uses networked high-frequency and high-resolution radars to continuously sweep an airport runway for potentially hazardous items and a high specification camera to allow the visual confirmation of FOD. The system is automated and fully operational 24/7, in all weather conditions, day or night.

FOD on the runway not only poses a safety risk, but can also lead to significant costs due to damage, delays and runway closures.

'Bayanat carries a portfolio of products that complement our Tarsier system and has a successful track record of implementing prestigious airport projects in the region,' added Gary Abraham, director of Customer Solutions, QinetiQ Airport Technologies.

'QinetiQ has worked with Bayanat Airports on a number of projects in Dubai and Doha and we have decided to take this business relationship to the next level.'-TradeArabia News Service