Case Study: Enhancing Ground Crew Communication at Curaçao and Aruba airports International Airport with E120 Portable Network Radios
1. Executive Summary
Curaçao and Aruba airports International Airport faced persistent challenges in ground crew communication, relying on legacy radio systems plagued by interference, limited range, and poor audio clarity in high-noise environments. This led to operational delays, potential safety risks, and decreased efficiency. By adopting a modern Public Network (PoC) Push-to-Talk over Cellular system and deploying the E120 compact portable radios, the airport achieved a transformative improvement in communication reliability, crew safety, and ground operation coordination.
2. The Challenge: Communication Bottlenecks in a Critical Environment
Airport ground operations are a high-stakes, dynamic, and exceptionally noisy ecosystem. Effective, instant, and crystal-clear communication among baggage handlers, ramp agents, aircraft marshals, refueling teams, and maintenance crews is non-negotiable for safety and on-time performance. Key pain points included:
· Extreme Ambient Noise: Roaring jet engines, ground support equipment, and tarmac wind rendered many radio transmissions unintelligible.
· Durability Demands: Equipment was constantly exposed to rain, dust, fuel, and physical impacts.
· Limited Coverage & Capacity: Traditional systems created dead zones, especially around large terminals and hangars, and struggled during peak traffic.
· Battery Life Anxiety: Long, unpredictable shift patterns required radios that could last a full 12+ hour day without failing.
· Poor Audio Output: Standard speaker volume was insufficient, forcing crew members to strain to hear instructions, increasing the risk of missed critical messages.
3. The Solution: A Robust Network & Purpose-Built Hardware
The airport partnered with Estalky to implement a comprehensive PoC communication solution centered on the E120 Portable Network Radio.
Why Public Network (PoC)?
· Nationwide Coverage: Leverages existing cellular networks, eliminating coverage gaps on the airport property and beyond.
· Crystal-Clear Digital Audio: Ensures voice quality is superior to analog, reducing misunderstandings.
· Flexible Group Management: Allows for dynamic creation of talk groups (e.g., "All Baggage Team," "Flight XYZ Turnaround Crew," "Emergency Response").
· Cost-Effective Scalability: Easy to add users without expensive infrastructure upgrades.
Introducing the E120: Engineered for the Tarmac
The E120 was selected as the primary frontline device for its unmatched combination of power and resilience:
· 3W High-Power Loudspeaker: Its standout 3W large speaker delivers exceptionally loud and clear audio, cutting through the cacophony of the apron. Crews can hear instructions clearly even amidst engine run-ups, significantly reducing repetition and errors.
· Advanced Noise Cancellation: Built-in noise-cancellation technology filters out background noise from both the transmitting and receiving ends. This ensures voices are transmitted cleanly, without the constant roar of ambient noise.
· Unmatched Durability with IP68 Rating: The IP68 design guarantees complete protection against dust ingress and sustained immersion in water. It withstands heavy rain, spills, and can even be rinsed clean, making it ideal for all weather conditions and harsh environments.
· Extended Operation with 7000mAh Battery: The massive 7000mAh battery provides power for multiple long shifts on a single charge. This eliminates mid-shift battery anxiety for crew members working around the clock, ensuring communication is always available.
4. Implementation & Results
A phased rollout was conducted, starting with the baggage handling and ramp teams. Training was minimal due to the E120‘s intuitive PTT operation.
Measurable Outcomes:
· 99.8% Communication Reliability: Elimination of dead zones and audio dropouts.
· 40% Reduction in Communication-Related Errors: Improved audio clarity directly reduced misheard instructions and delays in baggage loading and aircraft pushback.
· Enhanced Safety Posture: Critical safety messages are now heard immediately and clearly by all relevant personnel.
· Operational Efficiency Gain: Faster turnaround times for aircraft due to more coordinated, real-time communication among all ground service units.
· Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Reduced maintenance and repair costs thanks to the E120‘s rugged build, and no ongoing infrastructure maintenance for the network.
5. Conclusion
For Curaçao and Aruba airports International Airport, moving to a Public Network PoC system equipped with the E120 portable radio was not just an upgrade—it was a strategic investment in safety, efficiency, and operational excellence. The E120, with its powerful audio, intelligent noise cancellation, rugged IP68 construction, and marathon battery life, proved to be the perfect tool to solve the unique communication challenges of the aviation ground crew. It has set a new standard for reliable, clear, and resilient communication on the airfield.
About the E120:
The E120 is a compact, feature-rich PoC radio designed for professionals who work in demanding, noisy, and outdoor environments. Its blend of powerful performance, extreme durability, and exceptional battery life makes it an ideal communication solution for logistics, security, construction, and especially aviation ground operations.
