The Airnet demonstrator validated the most innovative features of the project.
The different actors of the airport (ATCO, AOO, GH) considered the Airnet solution valid to airport operations and a good implementation of the A-SMGCS concept. Airnet includes also additional features besides those specified in A-SMGCS which clearly contribute to the efficiency of airport services.
Although there are still some issues to be developed after the demonstrator, they are identified and can be solved through further work when evolving into an industrial solution. As a result of the project experience and on going standardisation some further improvements are also suggested for operational solution.
The Airnet project was an excellent project for the several partners to acquire know-how that enabled them to further develop the Airnet concept in other applications and developing further features and functionalities. Indeed, the Airnet project served as a valuable instrument for all partners for developing industrial solutions by themselves or under other contracts or projects funded by local authorities and governments or even through European Programmes.
Also the scientific papers produced and disseminated in several conferences and technological forums, have been raising public awareness for safer and more efficient applications using the concepts developed under the Airnet project.
Policy implications
Thanks to the involvement of end-users, in particular Oporto airport, the Airnet partners had a good knowledge and understanding of current European legislations related with air transport, as well as a good knowledge of the operational methods and procedures currently used by the end-users. In addition, the Airnet partners were in direct contact with EUROCONTROL, in order to guarantee the compatibility of Airnet with A-SMGCS requirements under development. Regarding innovative communication networks, the Airnet partners have included technologies currently under evaluation and standardisation (e.g. Wi-Fi) for use in operational systems in air transport.