Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Deploys First National TETRA Communications Solution

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, has installed Nepal’s first TETRA network, providing airport users and security teams with a comprehensive critical communications solution.

The airport serves as an international hub for over 30 domestic and international airlines and saw over 7 million passengers passing through in 2018, with future increases expected. Situated in Kathmandu Valley, the airport features a passenger terminal, plus extensive outdoor maintenance facilities, parking areas and other large buildings. The entire site is covered by the new TETRA network, ensuring that airport workers and security personnel are in constant communication with the control rooms.

The airport authorities recognised the need to replace the airport’s existing analogue radio system and identified a number of key requirements; higher security standards and built in scalability to allow additional users and the integration of other airport technology.

Following a thorough evaluation process and competitive tender, airport authorities choose Sepura TETRA radios supported by Teltronic’s Nebula TETRA infrastructure. The chosen solution matched the airport’s need for a scaleable communications system, offering flexibility for varied work groups, with the highest level of encryption to ensure security, and robust radios with a long working life.

The SC20 radios provided by Sepura provide outstanding audio whilst also featuring powerful data capability, capable of streamlining essential processes by automating responses, for example providing GPS location to the control room.

Using the SC20’s second data bearer, the radios can be connected to the airport’s Wi-Fi service, enabling integration with existing airport data and control systems. Allied to Teltronic’s infrastructure, the radios’ high transmitter power extends coverage where lower power radios struggle. This is a key feature of the security capability for the airport, ensuring that users based in remote locations, underground facilities or within large building are kept in touch with the control room.

The new TETRA network allows for the smooth movement of passengers through the airport by increasing co-operation between different work groups - including maintenance units, cleaning teams, airline staff, airside crews, security and emergency responders. Passengers benefit from a smoother experience with fewer delays, whilst the airport and airlines both benefit from more efficient working practises whilst fines and compensation for late running are minimised.

Mr. Manohar Rajbhandari, Dy. Director at the Tribhuvan International Airport Civil Aviation Office, endorsed the new network, saying: “The deployment of a TETRA network allows the airport to co-ordinate the day-to-day operations of its various work teams and provides a higher level of service to both passengers and airlines. The benefits of a reliable, high quality network using radios that connect everyone, everywhere, are evident throughout airport operations. Fleets of staff carrying out daily maintenance and cleaning can work in synchronisation with airline personnel, security and luggage handlers to keep the flow of passengers and flights moving.”

Shiv Prakash Khemka, Director of Mahavir Shree International Pvt. Ltd. is Sepura’s distributor in Nepal and led the project to deploy the solution. “It was clear that TETRA was a perfect technology to support the airport’s operations” he said. “Working directly with end users, we were able to demonstrate the excellent audio quality achieved through Sepura’s SC20 radios, whilst also demonstrating how advanced safety features could support lone workers. The airport now has communications across the entire site, covering every worker, ensuring their safety.”

As well as Tribhuvan, Sepura’s TETRA solutions have been deployed in numerous airports worldwide, including Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport, London Heathrow and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport. Organisations in these airports are benefitting from advanced data features, class leading audio and a proven reliable product to support their critical communications requirements.

Terence Ledger, Sepura’s Sales and Marketing Director commented: “TETRA is the only globally accepted, mission critical open standard technology and we are continuing to see its growth in new markets, building upon its established advantages over other platforms. Our SC20 radios are proven around the world for users looking to maximise the potential of their networks through intelligent applications to support their everyday operations.”