Vienna Airport, A1 Telekom Austria and Arthur D. Little are driving digitalization with a 5G campus network
Innovative technology for more safety, efficiency and sustainability: With the support of the EU, a groundbreaking digitalization project is starting at Vienna Airport – “5GforVIE” is the technological basis for the future use of autonomous robotic systems and other state-of-the-art applications
Vienna Airport is getting ready for the digital future: In collaboration with A1 and the strategy consultancy Arthur D. Little, an innovative 5G campus network is being created at the airport that meets the most modern requirements in airport operations. An industrial 5G network is being built. This network is completely independent of the public 5G telecommunications network and guarantees the highest connection quality for future innovative applications, such as automated apron processes through to autonomous area management. This will further advance digital transformation and sustainability at the airport, optimize work processes and increase safety, productivity and resilience, from which over 30 million passengers benefit every year. The project, with an investment volume of almost 6 million euros, is coordinated by Arthur D. Little and funded by the European Union with over 4.1 million euros as part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) initiative. The new campus network is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2027.
“The 5G campus network is a milestone in our digitalization strategy and underlines the innovative strength of Vienna Airport. The planned commissioning of the network in 2027 will pave the way for groundbreaking technologies such as autonomous baggage vehicles or automated apron processes. In close collaboration with our partners A1 Telekom Austria and Arthur D. Little, we are setting new standards in the areas of efficiency, security and sustainability and are actively shaping the future of the working world. We are proud to be taking on a pioneering role in the use of the latest 5G technology in the airport sector with EU funding,” says Mag. Julian Jäger, CEO of Flughafen Wien AG.
“As a leading provider of telecommunications solutions, we are pleased to be implementing this ambitious project together with Vienna Airport. The 5G campus network impressively shows how 5G mobile technology can not only revolutionize operational processes, but also create measurable added value for people and infrastructure,” adds Marcus Grausam, CEO of A1 Telekom Austria.
“The airport makes a significant contribution to the attractiveness of Austria as a business location. We are pleased that the EU recognizes and supports this project as a contribution to increasing sustainability and efficiency in the public interest. We are proud that in the course of implementing the project, Vienna Airport is further expanding its pioneering role among the most modern airports in Europe. This is how Austria’s innovative strength becomes visible. The project sets a benchmark for the modernization of Europe’s critical infrastructure,” said Bela Virag, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little Austria GmbH.
Vienna Airport 5G campus network marks a milestone in airport digitalization
The airport’s own 5G network is specifically tailored to mission-critical applications and forms the basis for the future use of innovative technologies such as robotics, AI-supported processes and autonomous mobility at Vienna Airport. The project includes a number of state-of-the-art practical examples, including automated maintenance systems for green spaces and aprons to optimize resources and ensure sustainable maintenance. Security monitoring systems controlled by sensors and networked devices that make access controls more efficient and secure. Advanced tracking systems that enable precise tracking of logistics processes. With these technologies, operational processes become more efficient and therefore more sustainable and resource-saving.
Digital transformation and sustainability in harmony – flagship project funded by the EU
Thanks to funding of over 4.1 million euros from the European Union as part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the “5GforVIE” project is being implemented as a flagship project that focuses on public benefits through greater operational security and more sustainable processes. Through more efficient processes and the integration of modern technologies, the CO2 balance is improved and Vienna Airport is positioning itself as a pioneer in the application of 5G technologies in the European airport sector.
EU Funding Statement: “This project is co-financed with financial support from the European Union within the framework of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The opinions and views expressed are the sole responsibility of the project partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.”