ADB SAFEGATE supplies airfield lighting, aircraft docking guidance and apron and tower software, and says its equipment is installed at more than 2,300 airports. Its AI sits in the software: AiPRON apron management and the OneControl controller working position.
The business traces its roots to 1920, has 1,001 to 5,000 staff and is based in Zaventem, Belgium. Carved out of Siemens, it has been owned by the Carlyle Group since October 2017. Its Safedock visual docking guidance and RELIANCE individual light control are conventional systems and are not counted as AI here.
Munich (MUC) contracted OneControl in December 2024, and the company is part of the airside package for New Terminal One at New York JFK (JFK). JetBlue, a customer since 2009, is refreshing Safedock docking across more than 70 gates at four airports through 2028, and King Khalid International (RUH), Kuwait (KWI) and Noida (DXN) add further work.
Aviation AI deployments and updates
01 / Contracted
ADB SAFEGATE OneControl controller working position contract at Munich Airport
Munich Airport has awarded ADB SAFEGATE a multi-phase contract for a next-generation Integrated Controller Working Position based on the company's OneControl software, ADB SAFEGATE announced on 19 December 2024. The work is tied to the objectives of Common Project 1 in the European ATM Master Plan.
The release lists ground movement optimisation, artificial intelligence and ADB SAFEGATE's Airside 4.0 programme as drivers of Munich's operational performance. It does not describe any AI function in the controller working position itself.
Alexander Hoffmann of Munich Airport's operations management is quoted describing the contract as a significant investment. No go-live date or delivery phase has been published, and until one of the companies describes a specific AI feature, this record is an apron control modernisation contract.
Safedock X - Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS)
A next-generation advanced visual docking guidance system that uses infrared laser, 3D scanning technology, and a radar sensor to guide aircraft into gates safely and precisely under all weather conditions.
The problem it addresses
Eliminates aircraft docking accidents and delays caused by low visibility or ground crew errors, and provides real-time apron situational awareness to controllers and ground handlers to shorten gate turns and reduce tail collision risk.
Key features
Infrared laser and 3D scanning paired with radar sensor for all-weather docking
Detects objects as small as 30cm x 30cm x 30cm on the apron
High-resolution full colour display for pilots and ground staff
Monitors approach accuracy as aircraft enter the gate
9 more features
Alerts controllers when a parked aircraft obstructs the taxiway
Detects unauthorised pushback movements and alerts controllers
Mobile Operator Panel (MOP) for improved ground handler flexibility
Supports Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)
Acts as an A-SMGCS sensor to eliminate blind spots near terminal buildings
Fixed Operator Panel 2 (FOP2) as standard interface
Onboard preventive maintenance tools
Low cost of ownership with heat management for hot climate deployments
Real-Time Information Display System (RIDS) capability in FLEX variant
Technical specifications (4)
Sensor: infrared laser scanner and 3D scanning technology combined with radar sensor
An intelligent apron management platform that serves as the central hub for controlling, merging, storing, analysing, and predicting operational performance across the apron.
The problem it addresses
Provides holistic situational awareness across all apron stakeholders from landing to takeoff, enabling faster and more reliable aircraft turnarounds and reducing operational disruptions through predictive analytics.
Key features
Centralised control and monitoring of apron operations
Data merging from multiple airport systems
Predictive analytics for operational performance
Situational awareness distribution to all turnaround stakeholders
OneControl - Integrated Controller Working Position (ICWP) and ASMGCS
An integrated air traffic control tower software platform that consolidates all information required by air traffic controllers onto a single screen. Provides full control over aircraft and ground vehicle movement for safe, seamless routing and guidance from approach to departure.
The problem it addresses
Reduces air traffic controller workload at complex, congested airports by harmonising operational processes, enabling data-driven decision making, and consolidating surveillance, flight plan, apron, and airfield lighting data into a single interface - increasing throughput and reducing the risk of runway incursions.
Key features
Single-screen integration of all controller data
AI-driven ground movement optimisation
Modular service-oriented architecture enabling on-demand activation of services
Surveillance data integration including Multi-Sensor Data Fusion
7 more features
Flight plan and progress data management
Apron and airfield ground lighting data integration
Supports A-CDM implementation
Ground movement optimisation features
Supports Common Project 1 (CP1) of the European ATM Master Plan
Developed in alignment with EUROCONTROL and EUROCAE standards
Scalable to airports of any size
Technical specifications (3)
Service-oriented architecture
Data-driven and modular design for rapid deployment and interoperability
Compliant with EUROCONTROL and EUROCAE standards
Certifications and approvals
Aligned with EUROCONTROL and EUROCAE ATM standards
Supports EASA Common Project 1 (CP1) compliance
Verified deployments
Munich (MUC) – ADB SAFEGATE OneControl controller working position contract at Munich Airport
RELIANCE Intelligent Lighting - Individual Light Control and Monitoring System
An intelligent airfield lighting control and monitoring system that provides individual control and real-time monitoring of airfield lighting devices including runway lights, taxiway lights, stop bars, and runway guard lights.
The problem it addresses
Gives air traffic controllers precise, real-time control over individual airfield lights to guide aircraft safely and efficiently during ground movements, detect lighting failures instantly, and support low visibility operations including Category II and III approaches.
Key features
Selective control and monitoring of individual airfield lighting devices
Flexible circuit design via software-based segmentation
Real-time lamp status monitoring with failed-lamp detection and location identification
Stop bar control and monitoring
8 more features
Taxiway routing support
Runway Guard Light (RGL) control and monitoring
Supports CAT II and CAT III monitoring
Enables Follow the Greens active visual guidance
Key component of A-SMGCS
Logging and analysis capabilities for maintenance planning
Multi-functional, modular, and flexible design
Critical and non-critical alarm differentiation
Technical specifications (5)
Supports CAT II/III operations
Software-based segmentation for flexible circuit design
Notes held in the Aerostack register. Aerostack has not independently verified them.
Business impact
Reduces equipment downtime by up to 30% through predictive maintenance.
Read the rest
Safedock A-VDGS achieves 98.5% reduction in hold times, decreasing fuel burn.
Airside 4.0 delivers up to 70% energy savings, supporting net-zero goals.
Profile data from the Aerostack companies register; deployment records from the verified register. Evidence grades: T1 first-party confirmation, T2 credible reporting. See Our approach for how records are graded.
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