5G Takes Flight: Transforming the Aviation Sector for the Better.
5G technology offers capabilities such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC) that are well-suited for business-critical applications. The aviation industry is expected to invest heavily in 5G technology, with projections of reaching $3.9 billion by 2026. 5G has the potential to revolutionize the entire aviation industry, from airports, airlines and manufacturers to enhancing passenger experience.
The Impact of 5G Across Different Parts of the Aviation Industry
If utilized effectively, 5G technology will have a positive impact on all aspects of the aviation industry. Specifically, it will bring significant changes in the following areas.
Aircraft Manufacturing
Real-time remote simulations are essential for making various calculations and other operational steps in the process of aircraft production. For instance, IoT sensors gather simulation data for aircraft blades, which is then transmitted back to the manufacturing center to provide vital insights. With 5G, this transmission process is faster, which will give manufacturers the ability to conduct advanced analytics and simulations quicker, so that errors can be detected and fixed earlier.
Furthermore, 5G technology can provide aircraft manufacturers with a greater understanding of all their manufacturing processes by creating digital twins for aircraft blisks. Blisks are complex products that require high data rates, high reliability, and high transmission speeds to produce. By implementing a 5G network on the production floor, manufacturers can guarantee highly accurate blisk production and real-time tracking as the blisk moves through the production line.
Airport Operators
For airport operators, the two most common operational areas of concern are security and weather-related tasks. 5G technology can improve both. 5G can enhance airport security by enabling network-connected 8K cameras and augmented-reality glasses. Additionally, 5G can also enable Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to perform full disinfection based on real-time occupancy and allow airports to perform automatic fever detection via real-time thermal imaging.
Weather-related issues can cause significant operational expenses and flight delays. With a 5G network providing high-speed connectivity, airports can monitor runways from the control tower and send autonomous snow ploughs to clear the runways, reducing the need for on-call drivers.
Furthermore, 5G technology can also improve the sharing of flight information, seat allocations, and terminal data, whether through holographic advertisements or other bandwidth-intensive means to provide dynamic, personalized information in real-time.
Airlines
The positive effects of 5G technology on structures such as airports are undeniable. Airlines can also take advantage of 5G technology, for example, the avionic systems inside airlines can have faster communication with control towers during landing with the help of highly dependable 5G connectivity. Additionally, the use of 5G networks for real-time equipment monitoring can allow for predictive maintenance, with 4K/8K video analytics allowing airlines to monitor aircraft turnaround processes.
Airlines can also enhance their cargo and passenger transportation using a 5G-powered smartphone application that can be used to power vertical take-off drones such as electric air taxis to the closest location.
Passenger Experience
5G can be utilized to enhance the passenger experience in many ways. QR codes can be used to confirm the identity of passengers, which has the potential to significantly reduce wait times and long lines in airports. It can also be used to provide personalized services, such as quick scanning of boarding passe with no human intervention, which can also reduce wait times. 5G-enabled real-time video streaming can also improve the tracking and monitoring of baggage, which can give passengers the ability to continuously monitor their luggage during loading and unloading as well as during the flight. In addition, utilizing 5G-powered glasses and cameras for facial recognition can identify potential security concerns and facilitate border inspections.
In-flight, instead of using unreliable and expensive satellite communication links, passengers would enjoy the convenience of an in-flight private 5G network providing internet services, such as faster and lighter weight in-flight entertainment services.
In Conclusion
The potential for 5G technology to revolutionize the aviation sector is significant through providing improvements to aircraft manufacturing and operations, as well as the passenger experience.
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