Cologne-Bonn Airport migrates its FIDS systems to LED with Sharp NEC

The new Led screens Sharp NEC that have been installed in the waiting room offer energy-efficient and long-lasting operation, while maintaining the nostalgic look and sound of old FIDS.

Two new Sharp NEC Led displays have replaced the obsolete ones flight information systems (FIDS) in it Cologne-Bonn airport to benefit from long-lasting, energy-efficient operation, while maintaining the nostalgic look and sound of yesteryear.

Cologne-Bonn is one of the most important commercial airports in Germany in the transport of people and goods.. Every year, millions of passengers take off for their vacation and business trips. More than 30 airlines fly to about 120 destinations in almost 50 countries in Europe and the rest of the world. It is also the logistics center of North Rhine-Westphalia.

the airport, of vital importance for the image and economy of the area, had to convey a modern atmosphere and demonstrate its commitment to the future through the most advanced technology. For this reason, The operators wanted to replace two of the outdated FIDS with Led screens prepared for the future.

Led FIDS instead of analog

As in all airport digital signage installations, fire safety was a priority when replacing the two monochrome FIDS in the waiting area.

“The size and position of the facility, as well as the need for high resolution and data visualization, “They meant that we could only use an LED installation”, says Cornelius Bodamer, CEO of Ben Hur.

High resolution LED solutions must have a low fire load and be equipped with a self-extinguishing system. Sustainability is another important component of the airport's corporate strategy, whose objective is to achieve climate neutrality in 2045. For this reason, the technology had to consume as little energy as possible and have the ability to turn off completely.

“As has already happened in projects carried out at other airports, We have decided once again on a Sharp NEC Led solution, which has passed all tests with flying colors. It has even decided on a particularly high resolution of 1,2 mm”, adds Cornelius Bodamer.

Split flap animations

To implement the two FIDS, the installation required a detailed substructure, for which Ben Hur hired his partner Exact Solutions.

At the same time, Lang AG specified and implemented a solution with Media Fire Protect, an integrated extinguishing system developed specifically for critical infrastructure applications.

Extinguishing devices made of glass explode at certain temperatures, thus extinguishing fires immediately at the place where they occur. As a result, the fire cannot spread further and damaged cabinets can be replaced with minimal effort, without having to do the same with the entire installation.

It has also been configured EcoProtect for both FIDS, allowing sensitive LED modules to turn off completely and automatically to save energy.

“The airport has also come up with something very special for these two Led: content with specially developed animations that reproduce the monochrome screens with divided flaps of before”, adds Bodamer. “The additional speakers provide the right distinctive metallic sound for a nostalgic effect despite the cutting-edge technology.”.