Improving Connectivity and Reliability Within the Airline and Aviation Industries
The airline and aviation industries have always been at the forefront of technological advancements, aiming to improve efficiency, safety, and customer experience. However, challenges arise regarding remote collaboration and connectivity in large-scale aircraft maintenance and inspections.
An international airline and global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services based in Germany faced this challenge head-on, seeking solutions enabling seamless communication between technicians, engineers, and customers while improving overall efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Challenge | Fast, Reliable Connectivity For Remote Troubleshooting And AR Applications
One of the most pressing issues was that the airline needed the capability to test engine parts with technicians remotely over a 5G video link. By shipping the parts to Hamburg, the service division of the airline troubleshoots the problem, and then the technician on the ground is able to receive detailed information on how to make repairs and remediations without ever having to leave their home base. They rely on augmented reality (AR) to provide closed captioning and written instructions on the videos. Additionally, they needed to be able to “roam across 8,000 square meters” of their facility – mostly consisting of large airplane hangers – without ever losing their connectivity.
When exploring existing 5G solutions – and anticipating that 5G would be the answer to many of their issues – they found that a true 5G private network solution didn’t quite exist yet.
Solution | Nokia Powered Standalone 5G Implementations
Collaborating with two technology partners – Nokia and a large European wireless provider – the airline service division set up two distinct setups in its aircraft hangars in Hamburg, Germany. These setups marked the first-ever implementation of standalone (SA) industrial 5G networks outside of Asia and showcased the power of Industry 4.0 applications.
In one setup, they collaborated solely with Nokia, utilizing their private 5G network to facilitate remote inspections and consultations. The key feature of this setup was the ability to maintain real-time video streams that supported their AR usage over the 8,000-square-meter site, allowing technicians and customers to collaborate effectively without the need for extensive travel or physical presence.
The second setup involved collaboration with the wireless provider and incorporated the use of private 5G networks to enable advanced applications like AR assistance for technicians working within the aircraft itself. This involved guiding technicians with 3D overlays, ensuring precise fitting of components, cabling, and even cabin furniture.
The result greatly improved efficiency and accuracy during aircraft maintenance procedures.
Result | Low Latency, Increased Connectivity, and Wi-Fi Beating Performance
The implementation of private 5G networks brought remarkable results for the airline. They were able to achieve a low latency of 7ms within the standalone 5G network, outperforming Wi-Fi and ensuring stable video streams even within aircraft hulls. This enabled technicians to conduct inspections remotely, which proved invaluable when the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel and restricted physical presence.
In the case of collaborating with Nokia’s private 5G network, the business unit successfully addressed connectivity issues for both internal teams and clients. The stable, crystal-clear video feeds received positive feedback from customers who had never experienced such quality before.
The implementation of private 5G networks brought a range of benefits to the organization, spanning from remote inspections to improved collaboration, including:
Stable Latency and Enhanced Video Streams
The private 5G networks achieved latency levels below 100ms, ensuring smooth and stable video streams for remote collaboration. This stability eliminated disruptions and allowed technicians to conduct inspections and maintenance procedures with precision.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
There was a significant reduction in the need for extensive travel and physical presence, saving time, resources, and associated costs. Remote inspections became a reality, ensuring business continuity even during the most challenging times of COVID-19-related lockdowns.
Innovative Industry 4.0 Applications
Implementing private 5G networks paved the way for innovative Industry 4.0 applications like augmented reality assistance. This technology revolutionized how technicians interacted with aircraft components, improving accuracy and efficiency in maintenance procedures.
Learning from Testing
The extensive testing conducted by the group provided valuable insights into the capabilities of private 5G networks in various scenarios, including the realization that a decreased power output could actually increase the download speeds (although the coverage area was diminished). These insights contributed to a deeper understanding of signal degradation through materials and network performance optimization.
Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
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