Dubai Airports and technology provider Honeywell have successfully implemented its ‘follow the greens’ airfield guidance system which streamlines operations, optimises ground traffic flow and reduces controller-pilot communications.

The state-of-the-art ground traffic management (GTM) solution, helps pilots to safely navigate through the airport’s complex network of taxiways, even in the case of reduced visibility. The system assesses all aircraft traffic on the airfield, identifies the optimal routing to the gate (or conversely from gate to runway) and activates a series of lights on the tarmac. Instead of following radio instructions from the air traffic control tower, pilots simply follow the green lights.

Honeywell’s GTM system helps reduce taxi times, save fuel and emissions while improving taxiway safety. The new system also reduces strain on air traffic controller operations, improves situational awareness, and generates additional savings through reduced lighting and operational costs.

Commenting on the GTM system at Dubai International, Chris Garton, executive vice president of operations for Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai International regularly adopts the latest technology to help streamline operations, limit emissions, enhance safety, meet increased capacity demands and give our customers a world-class experience. In this respect Honeywell’s GTM system ticks all the boxes.”

Norm Gilsdorf, president for Honeywell’s Middle East, Russia and Central Asia regions, said: “Already one of the world’s busiest airports, Dubai International is on a remarkable growth path as passenger and flight numbers continue to increase with the growth of the economy. Honeywell is proud to provide its industry-leading technology to help the airport better manage the increased flight traffic, and is committed to helping Dubai International unlock its full capacity by leveraging smart technologies that improve safety, increase operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and deliver improved cost effectiveness.” - TradeArabia News Service