KLIA to be the world’s first airport to install new FODDS technology
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Malaysia Airports has always put their guests’ safety and security as their main priority by serving them with the latest advanced technology to ensure safe and seamless journey at our airports. KL International Airport (KLIA) continues providing the best service to its guests by enhancing its runway safety as it enters the second phase of the field trial for the high-precision Foreign Object Debris Detection System (FODDS).
In 2019, FODDS launched its first phase by installing 2 towers fully equipped with state-of-the-art FODDS radars. The second phase involves the complete installation of the remaining 9 towers with the same high precision radars and it is expected to be completed by the end of November this year. FODDS radar can detect any Foreign Object Debris (FOD) within the range of 500 meters in 10 seconds by using the latest high-end radio over fibre technology.
The new advanced technology not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of runway safety surveillance but also detects even the smallest FOD item such as rice grain, pebble and wildlife to avoid unwanted aircraft incidents or accidents from happening. The second phase of the FODDS will be fully operational by Q2 of 2022. The installation of the high-tech system is a tripartite collaboration between Malaysia Airports, Hitachi Kokusai Electric Co., Ltd. (HiKE) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Malaysia Airports Group CEO, Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said, “KLIA has been keeping up with the latest technology and global airport practices to strengthen operational safety. We are proud to be the first airport in the world to be installed with this fully functional new FODDS technology on our runway, after the prototype in Narita, Japan. This is an example of embracing technology to future-proof our airport and be more ready to handle future demands with the recovery of air travel. We are committed to ensuring the highest level of safety for both our airline partners as well as passengers. The airlines can be assured of seamless operations whereas passengers will experience smooth landings and take-offs.”
The new FODDS comprises state-of-art radars that are highly accurate and fast in detecting any FOD through the millimetre wave radar over the optical fibre which is also known as high-end radio over fibre technology. High-resolution cameras are used to ensure high-quality images of the FOD are captured upon detection. The radar also enables real-time data collection thus expediting operations in identifying and clearing the FOD immediately.
Dato’ Mohd Shukrie also said that “Under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, we are required to inspect the runway four times a day. With the FODDS system in place, we are enabling both detection and data collection to happen in real-time around the clock. It helps to facilitate the immediate clearance of the FOD by the team in the shortest time possible.”
With this improvement made at the airport, Malaysia Airports hopes that guests will have a seamless and comfortable travelling experience in line with the premier airport operator’s aspiration to become a global airport group that champions connectivity and sustainability.
