Sharp NEC Display Solutions client installation – Aviation and Transportation
Cologne Bonn Airport
Nostalgia meets state-of-the art LED technology
Two new NEC LED displays replace outdated FIDS to benefit from long-life energy-efficient operation whilst maintaining the nostalgic ‘split-flap’ look and sound of yesteryear.
In the passenger and cargo sector, Cologne Bonn Airport is one of the most important commercial airports in Germany. Many millions of passengers jet off on their holidays and business trips from Cologne Bonn Airport every year. More than 30 airlines fly to around 120 destinations in nearly 50 countries in Europe and beyond. At the same time, the airport is the logistics hub of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Vitally important for the image and economy of the Rhineland, the airport should exude a modern ambiance, demonstrating a commitment to the future with state-of-the-art technology. For that reason, the operators wanted to replace two of the outdated flight information display systems (FIDS) with future-proof LED displays.
The Challenge
LED FIDS instead of analogue
As with all digital signage installations at airports, fire safety was a priority when replacing the two monochrome FIDS in the waiting area. The high-resolution LED solutions must have a low fire load and be equipped with a self-extinguishing system. Sustainability is another important component of the airport’s corporate strategy with a goal to become climate neutral by 2045. Because of this, the technology had to consume as little power as possible and have the capability to be switched off completely.
“The size and position of the installation, as well as the need for high resolution and data display meant that we could only use an LED installation,” says Cornelius Bodamer, Managing Director at Ben Hur GmbH.
“As with many previous projects at other airports, we once again opted for an LED solution from Sharp/NEC, which passed all fire tests with flying colours. The customer decided early on in the process in favour of future-oriented LED technology from Sharp/NEC, a brand they trust and a long-standing supplier. They even decided on a particularly high-resolution pixel pitch of 1.2 mm!”
The Solution
Split-flap animations for a nostalgic effect
In order to implement the two FIDS in line with the customer’s requirements, the installation needed a detailed substructure, for which Ben Hur brought on board its partner Exact Solutions.
At the same time, LANG AG specified and implemented a solution using Media Fire Protect, an integrated selfextinguishing system that was developed specifically for applications in critical infrastructures. The extinguishing devices made of glass burst at certain temperatures, thus extinguishing fires immediately where they occur. As a result, the fire cannot spread any further, and the damaged cabinets can be replaced with minimum effort, without having to replace the entire installation.
EcoProtect has also been set up for the two FIDS enabling the sensitive LED modules to be automatically switched off completely in order to save energy.
Currently, the displays are switched on around the clock.
“The airport has also come up with something very special for these two LED displays: content with specially developed animations that portray the monochrome split-flap displays from before,” Bodamer adds.
“Additional speakers provide the right distinctive metallic flapping sound to achieve a nostalgic effect despite state-ofthe- art technology.”
The Result
LED bliss at all levels
The two state-of-the-art FIDS were installed at Cologne Bonn Airport in autumn 2023 and spring 2024 respectively. Since then, passengers and employees alike have been impressed by their razor-sharp resolution and enticing graphics.
“Although we have already managed many airport projects in this way, it is always amazing how smoothly the partners work together,” says Bodamer in closing.
“This enabled us to successfully implement another innovative project!” We are already looking forward to future projects!