Interview spotlight: Andreas Delhusen, CEO of DHF Airport Solutions AB

How can DHFs technology improve runway availability?

There is a clear opportunity that DHFs software will improve the fault management and thereby the runway availability at international airports. DHF’s software can upgrade existing airfield lighting and approach systems with new unique functionality.

Faults in airfield lightning, approach systems and other airside systems causes delays in both the arrival and ground departure flow. Aircraft in holding pattern, extension of the approach flight path, additional taxi-out time and queuing at the runways are common delay factors for airport operations, airlines and passengers. A fault in a complex airfield system usually leads to large number of consequential faults. In control rooms, most variables are measured and monitored by alarms. A non-trivial fault can often lead to a large amount of trigged alarms, a so-called alarm cascades. Alarm cascades generate information overload and give conventional alarm lists only limited benefit in case of incidents. 

The problem with alarm cascades, in airfield lighting and other airport systems, is something that can be solved in a sophisticated way.

DHF’s AFDS (Airport Fault Detection System) can perform root-cause analysis online in real-time, as a fault situation develops. Large alarm cascades can be reduced to a single initiating event. This becomes useful throughout complex fault situations. The problem DHF solves for the airport is to find the needle in the haystack – the important alarm among hundreds of alarms which constitutes the root fault.

DHF’s software is the only software on the market able to identify 100% of any possible root fault and filtrate them from any consequential fault. The AFDS software can more substantially reduce the number of alarms in airfield lighting and approach systems and thereby increase the airfield availability.

How does DHF’s system complement existing airfield lighting solutions? 

Compared to other alternatives, DHF’s technology – based on unique algorithms – can offer a new set of additional values in a better and more affordable solution for airports. DHF’s system does not compete with existing solutions but work in conjunction with existing solutions to give them more desirable functionality.

How can DHF’s system reduce negative environmental impact in the airport industry?

With significantly less aircraft movements both in the air and on the ground, DHF’s system contribute significantly to reduced negative environmental impact.  

Can DHFs system enhance operational efficiency in other airport systems than airfield lighting?

AFDS – Airport Fault Detection System can be connected to the majority of critical airport systems. AFDS enables leading suppliers of airport systems to reinvent their own alarm management offerings. With the enhanced functionality, DHF estimate that, big and hub size airports can increase capacity, efficiency, and potentially save millions of euros each year.