The world’s most advanced de-icing system built together with TKH’s CEDD® airfield light technology

Press Release | Integrated smart airfield ground lighting system to be installed at Memphis International Airport in the first half of 2022.

TKH Airport Solutions proudly announces signing a contract with Canadian company JCAII to integrate TKH’s CEDD^® airfield ground lighting (AGL) technology with JCAII’s SmartPad de-icing system. The combined system is currently being installed in the new centralized de-icing facility at Memphis International Airport.

JCAII’s SmartPad is a technological infrastructure platform that digitalizes remote de-icing facilities and process management for air traffic. SmartPad’s patented suite of software and hardware are designed as safety systems that provide advanced surface guidance to support advanced de-icing operations. CEDD^® AGL is TKH’s innovative low-voltage airfield ground lighting system based on contactless energy and communication technology, making the airfield lights smart and individually addressable with fast response times.

TKH Airport Solutions will deliver smart Taxiway and Stop Bar lights that will be installed on the East and West aprons of the de-icing bay. Together with SmartPad’s Electronic Message Boards and automated guidance/docking systems, these lights provide clear visual commands that guide aircraft into place for de-icing.

“The choice for CEDD^® airfield lights for the visual control of the de-icing pad confirms the wide range of applications that are possible with our innovative technology,” says Erik Velderman, CEO of TKH Airport Solutions. “We are proud to support Memphis International Airport in maximally optimizing their de-icing operations and look forward to continue the great teamwork with JCAII.”

Jeff Campbell, President of JCAII, stated: “From the first steps with the excellence and competence of the airport and engineering team, the collaborative approach with industry experts, the decision to digitalize their de-icing operation, and the selection of the most advanced technological infrastructure for de-icing operations available today, the entire community of the Memphis International Airport and its stakeholders are positioned for the future with the safest, most efficient and resilient winter operations in all weather conditions.”

Memphis International Airport is home to the FedEx Express global hub, often referred to as the ‘Superhub’, which processes many of the company’s packages. According to Airports Council Internal (ACI), it is the world’s busiest cargo handling airport with more than 4.61 million metric tonnes of cargo handled in 2020.

The integrated system enables Memphis Airport to realize operational efficiencies in its de-icing facilities. The use of SmartPad lowers the waiting times for aircraft, saving significant amounts of overhead for airlines and reducing CO2 emissions. It also decreases the need for radio communications to mitigate the risk of miscommunication.

The SmartPad and CEDD^® AGL technology systems are scheduled to be operational in the first half of 2022.