Month: May 2022

Predicting weather has always been an essential part in the development of human societies. Meteorological forecasts are needed to ensure that the industries behind the turning of the wheels of civilizations function correctly. For example, weather is a key component in agriculture, as different crops require different meteorological conditions for optimal growth. With accurate and timely predictions, governments could foresee periods of drought and plan in advance the measures needed to counter these challenges for their agricultural sectors.

Exact meteorological forecasts are also indispensable for travel and, by extension, commerce. In the aviation industry, weather is, therefore, constantly analyzed to ensure safe passage of aircrafts, their passengers and goods.

There are many ways airports keep tabs on the changes in weather. Here are some of the common ones that you are likely to find in many air hubs, including the Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Weather measuring tools: from wind to precipitation 

There are many factors that are included in the term “weather”, for example, wind and precipitation.

Being airborne, planes are very susceptible to wind. Depending on the aircraft’s speed, a strong impact from an air current could potentially lead to accidents. Measuring this factor is absolutely crucial throughout the flight, but especially during takeoff and landing, as these two constitute the most dangerous parts of the craft’s journey. It comes as no surprise that so much of the airport and runway equipment is aimed at monitoring these two instances. Pilots should also be guided with regards to the wind presence to ensure further safety.

Various types of wind profilers are used, such as the famous RADAR technology, in conjunction with SODAR (sonic detection and ranging).  These could detect wind speed and direction from various altitudes, climbing up to 17 m above sea level, in other words reaching the higher ends of the troposphere in which planes fly. RADARS scatter radio beams, which then send signals back to the sensors after having been in contact with the object in question. These types of wind profilers also help lay out the optimal course for the pilots.

Since special attention has to be given to takeoff and landing, runway is also adapted for weather detection. The Runway Visual Range (RVR) is the distance that one can see horizontally down the runway in given weather conditions. The runway must be clearly visible at all times, once again, to ensure safety.

For optimal visibility, various solutions are put in place, including the High-intensity Runway Lights and beacon lighting features.

The RVR could also be improved by using the weather RADAR, which constitutes a key feature of many other airport systems.

Precipitation and rain gauges

It is equally as important to measure precipitation, as intense rainfall could lead to reduced visibility for pilots. Tools such as automatic rain gauges have been long ago put to use in aerodynamics. The instrument, which consists of a container that collects rainwater, measures the amount of precipitation in millimeters during a given time per unit area. However, these may show a lack of accuracy in extreme weather conditions, as strong gusts of wind could blow the water out of the gauge, while sub-zero temperatures could contribute to ice formation in the instrument. To counter the latter problem, some rain gauges are equipped with heating systems that thaw the frozen rainwater.

Altering the weather

Nowadays, not only is it possible to predict the weather, but even to change it in certain cases! Airports now use specific technologies that could change the outside conditions around the runways, facilitating liftoff and touchdown. For this, cloudseeding has been developed. This is a complex artificial process that alters precipitation via condensation nuclei that are projected into the air.

Bayanat Engineering, a Qatar-based company that specializes in providing aeronautic solutions, has equipped the Hamad International Airport with these and many other technologies. To learn more about weather monitoring, as well as about their products, visit www.bayanatengineering.qa

The provision of rescue and firefighting services at airports is mandated under international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) agreements. Responding to an incident requires coordination from multiple services in the airport operations control centre. Communications are therefore critical with the key being streamlined communication between airside and landside operations.

By hosting a multimedia communication solution in an airports data centre an airport can provide critical telephony and radio communications for control room users in the Airport Operations Centre. The control room users in the airport benefit from multi communication channels within one and the same system. Incidents in the terminal or on the runway are all run through the same system. This also supports improved planning and resource allocation during planned events or emergencies. Speeding up airport incident resolution will have a direct knock-on effect in reducing delays and keeping passengers moving – especially important as numbers begin to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The Milipol exhibition in Qatar, taking place May 24-26 2022, in advance of this year’s football World Cup 2022 in the country, focuses on the security and safety of large events. Hassan Ezzeddine, Managing Partner of Bayanat Engineering Qatar, commented: “This event is a great place to showcase the Frequentis LifeX solution to the Qatar market. Qatar is preparing to host an amazing event and goes above and beyond to protect its visitors and fans.”

The Frequentis multimedia communication solution, LifeX, is an innovative platform designed to empower public safety and help control rooms collaborate more effectively. It has been designed with the future in mind, to manage the demands of next-generation control rooms with features including multimedia call handling in real-time.

“The Frequentis LifeX is operational for a number of emergency services control rooms in the UK and in Europe for a number of years, but, at the end of 2021 it was implemented for the first time at an airport in the UK,” added Josef Kutschi, Managing Director Frequentis Middle East. “Here it provides the airports Fire and Rescue Service with the same streamlined solution, offering all the benefits of a modern multimedia communications platform, including a monitoring and recording system, easy to use touch screen, and a user-friendly display to visualise all telephony and radio communications simultaneously and select the ones required. The solution has transformed the way the airport manages incidents and is the key to speeding up incident resolution and in turn improving passenger experience.”

LifeX leverages IP-based communication technologies that meet the highest demands of mission-critical public-safety use cases. The solution can integrate seamlessly with a wide range of systems via common industry standards, including Web application programming interfaces (APIs), instant messaging, next generation emergency calling (NG112), TETRA, two-way radio (P25) and mission-critical data (MCx). It also allows secure integration with other applications via standards-based APIs, dissolving solution silos. Most importantly, LifeX supports legacy and future-oriented protocols and systems in parallel. As a result, control centres can introduce new technologies such as MCx without changing existing workflows, support MCx and TETRA/P25 systems side-by-side and enable a seamless transition to end-to-end omni-channel communication.

Frequentis is one of the partners that Bayanat Engineering Qatar (BEQ) will present at Milipol Qatar. Frequentis is also currently upgrading the voice communication system (VCS) for Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and modernising its air traffic control tower operation to meet air traffic demand.

“Bayanat Engineering Qatar and Frequentis has a long-lasting partnership, based on trust, and have completed numerous projects in the state of Qatar,” continued Hassan, “BEQ believes in excellence and on the dot execution, powered by experience and knowledge. But more than that, we believe in trust. This trust was earned over the past two decades from our partners and clients who believe in our efficiency and timely handover of their projects. Our mission is to provide the best services for our clients for the football World Cup 2022 and preparation for Vision 2030. We ensure efficiency and safety by bringing and adapting new technologies.”

Visit booth E015 to learn more about Bayanat Engineering Qatar and Frequentis and attend the seminar to find out about: “Supporting large scale events: Lessons learned from a control room supplier point of view” with Mr. Reinard van Loo (MSc), Frequentis Senior Advisor / Public Solutions Consultant.

For more information visit www.frequentis.com or www. www.bayanatengineering.qa

Doha: The provision of rescue and firefighting services at airports is mandated under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) agreements. Responding to an incident requires coordination from multiple services in the airport operations control centre. Communications are therefore critical with the key being streamlined communication between airside and landside operations.

By hosting a multimedia communication solution in an airports data centre an airport can provide critical telephony and radio communications for control room users in the Airport Operations Centre. This also supports improved planning and resource allocation during planned events or emergencies. Speeding up airport incident resolution will have a direct knock-on effect in reducing delays and keeping passengers moving – especially important as numbers begin to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The Frequentis multimedia communication solution, LifeX, is an innovative platform designed to empower public safety and help control rooms collaborate more effectively. It has been designed with the future in mind, to manage the demands of next-generation control rooms with features including multimedia call handling in real-time.

Built on a modular, fault-tolerant, carrier-grade architecture, 3020 LifeX leverages IP-based communication technologies that meet the highest demands of mission-critical public-safety use cases. The solution can integrate seamlessly with a wide range of systems via common industry standards, including and allows secure integration with other applications via standards-based APIs, dissolving solution silos. Most important, 3020 LifeX supports legacy and future-facing protocols and systems in parallel. As a result, control centres can introduce new technologies such as MCx without changing existing workflows, and enable a seamless transition to end-to-end omni-channel.

The Frequentis LifeX is operational for a number of emergency services control rooms in the UK and in Europe for a number of years, but, at the end of 2021 it was implemented for the first time at an airport in the UK. The solution has transformed the way the airport manages incidents and is the key to speeding up incident resolution and in turn improving passenger experience.

For more on how modern communication technology can help with the technical and organisational challenges of emergency coordination between all airport stakeholders, attend Milipol Qatar from May 24-26, and visit stand E015 to meet Frequentis and long-term local partner Bayanat and to learn more about the Frequentis LifeX multimedia communications solution.

Our presentation: “Supporting large scale events: Lessons learned from a control room supplier point of view” with Reinard van Loo – Frequentis Senior Advisor / Public Solutions Consultant is also not to be missed.

Bayanat Engineering Qatar and Frequentis has a long-lasting partnership and have completed numerous projects in Qatar. Bayanat Engineering Qatar believes in excellence and on the dot execution, powered by experience and knowledge. But more than that, BEQ believes in trust. This Trust was earned over the past two decades from its partners and clients who believe in the company’s efficiency and timely handover of projects. Bayanat Engineering Qatar’s mission is to provide the best services for its clients for the FIFA 2022 and Vision 2030 preparation and make it efficient and safe, by bringing and adapting new technologies.

“Milipol exhibition prior to the FIFA 2022 focus on the largen events security and safety, which is a great place to showcase LifeX solution to Qatar’s market. Qatar is preparing to host an amazing event and goes above and beyond to protect its visitors and fans. One of the partners that Bayanat Engineering Qatar will present at Milipol Qatar 2022 is Frequentis, with whom we do have long partnership, based on trust and multiple successfully completed projects. Visit our booth to learn more about our companies and do visit the seminar with our speakers on large events public safety during the events,” Hassan Ezzeddine, Managing Partner at Bayanat Engineering Qatar.

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has selected Frequentis to upgrade its existing voice communication system (VCS) and modernise its air traffic control (ATC) tower operation to meet air traffic demand resulting from the World Cup in the country in 2022. The football World Cup is expected to significantly increase the number of visitors to the region, with daily air traffic movements anticipated to increase from 700 to 1,800 movements.

QCAA is upgrading both its main and back VCS systems to enhance airport operations and maintain safety as airspace demands change. The back-up VCS will benefit from Frequentis’ next generation VCS, X10, to increase resilience. In addition, QCAA will also implement Frequentis electronic flight strips in the ATC tower to support air traffic controllers with effectively managing the increased workload and maintaining safety during peak air traffic movements.

“Frequentis has provided QCAA with reliable ATM systems since the 1990s. Our electronic Flight Strips integrated with the ATM system marks the next generation of tower automation, which will allow QCAA to handle the expected, significant air traffic increase,” noted Josef Kutschi, Managing Director of Frequentis Middle East.

Both the digitalisation of paper strips and the implementation of the IT-based VCS, X10, fulfill the latest demands for tower digitalisation, paving the way for automation and efficiency, improving controllers’ situational awareness and workflows.
“The X10 architecture allows for a flexible, scalable, and modern approach to air traffic management and smartSTRIPS is an essential tool to support controllers in their challenging role,” said Hannu Juurakko, Frequentis Vice-President ATM and Chairman of the ATM Executive Team. “We are pleased to be working with QCAA on this modernisation, the added benefits of X10 will fully prepare QCAA for its upcoming airspace demands.” The VCS X10 is designed from the origin to fulfill the latest trend towards Virtual Centre operations and, being fully ED-137 compliant, it fully supports the digitalisation of ATC communication, and the standardised implementation and interoperability of voice over IP (VoIP).

The Frequentis smartSTRIPS system is already deployed on five continents, covering installations from two to more than 90 controller working positions.

“As a local partner to the region, and to Frequentis, Bayanat Engineering Qatar is pleased to be part of this project to support Qatar airspace with predicted increased demand,” noted Hassan Ezzedine, Managing Partner of Bayanat Engineering Qatar.

Frequentis, headquartered in Vienna, is a global supplier of communication and information systems for control centres with safety-critical tasks. As a global player, Frequentis operates a worldwide network of branches, subsidiaries, and local representatives in more than 50 countries. Products and solutions from Frequentis can be found in over 40,000 operator working positions and in more than 150 countries.

Climate change is a problem that may have drastic consequences on the entire of the world in the next decade, as estimated by many experts in the scientific community.

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report shows drastic consequences on ecosystems, human health and well-being in the upcoming few years if the international community fails to act as soon as possible.

For one, the caps in the Arctic are already melting at an alarming rate, which could lead to flooding of massive coastal areas, completely drowning numerous localities around the world, if the global warming isn’t limited to 1.5°C. Beyond this temperature, the effects of climate change may prove irreversible in some cases, as reports IPCC.

The experts of IPCC have recently been joined by the World Economic Forum, who has stated the failure to stop climate change as the number one global risk by severity that our planet faces.

Going hand in hand with the climate change, is the increase in all types of pollution, which not only contributes to the phenomenon, but also menaces the flora and fauna of the world, all while reducing the quality of life for communities.

It is, therefore, important to mobilize every means possible to combat these threats to the planet. This includes having recourse to existing environmental solutions and technologies.

Air pollution monitoring systems 
Air pollution is one of the main contributors to climate change, as it is synonymous with the excessive release of greenhouse gases, with the dishonorable mention going to carbon dioxide. It is also detrimental to human health since low air quality in the inhabited areas has been linked to a considerable rise in respiratory diseases among their citizens.

Despite this, an increasingly larger percentage of people around the world migrates to settle in urban areas, where the risks of exposure to air pollution are much higher. This observation is more alarming than it appears at face value, for, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as much as 91% of the world’s population lives in areas where air quality is below acceptable.

In order to control the levels of harmful gases and particles in the air and find the right remedy to the problem, air pollution should be diligently monitored. Technologies such as air quality sensors are made for the task.

These sensors ceaselessly provide accurate data with pertinent analyses of the top pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). The given measurements are absolutely crucial to understanding the changes in air quality and eventually working towards the solutions that would improve situational awareness and, by extent, the quality of life in inhabited areas around the world.

Solar Radiation monitoring 
Monitoring solar radiation is one of the key factors in determining climate and its changes. Sunlight is an absolutely essential component of ensuring life on Earth, as well as continuing the functioning of the atmospheric and climatological processes. Tabs have to be kept on its activity at all times. It is measured by instruments and technologies used in meteorology, the study of the weather processes and changes.

More specifically, it is measured by meteorological sensors. Other than the solar radiation, these cover a variety of fields, such as temperature, wind, humidity and meteorological. It is essential to measure solar activity in conjunction with these other factors, as accurate and timely predictions of weather can help draft out responses to these changes by national experts, as well as the international scientific community. In the long term, these reports of weather changes can help build a precise representation of the changes in climate. This could prove helpful in studying the global warming phenomenon, analyzing the effectiveness of the existing solutions and, of course, planning out the further course of action.

If you wish to learn more about the existing weather and climate solutions, as well as the meteorological equipment and the fields it is used in, visit the official website of Bayanat Engineering at www.bayanatengineering.qa. They are a commercial engineering company that provides technological solutions for various sectors, including aviation, oil and gas industry and the military.