Fujitsu has been selected by the operator of British airports BAA as network integrator for the new Terminal 2 building at Heathrow Airport, which is currently in development, to support 40 airport systems.
Under the estimated £20m contract, Fujitsu will design and implement a network infrastructure to support all network operations in the new terminal, from check-in and security to air conditioning systems and retail outlets.
The LAN installation will support Voice – IP telephony and analogue telephony; wireless LAN; IPTV; and security systems such as CCTVs, access control systems, and integrated departure lounge among others.
It will also support the terminal’s airport operations systems and management; resource management systems; check-in; baggage reconciliation system; and building control and management systems; as well as third party retail concessions.
BAA head of ICS of Terminal 2, Peter Kent said with the bulk of Star Alliance airlines due to operate out of the terminal, the authority is faced with a highly complex and dynamic environment.
"We were looking for a partner with credibility – a proven track record in not only delivering critical national infrastructure projects but operating within the confines of a construction site, with a large number of partners," Kent added.
"This is a challenge in itself and requires deep expertise and experience. Fujitsu stood out among the bidding companies as the only one able to meet all of the criteria."
Fujitsu will design, test, commission and implement the new network over the next three years and integrate with the wider Heathrow Airport network to meet BAA service availability needs.
Fujitsu UK & Ireland head of manufacturing, utilities & services, Charles Matcham said the network is at the heart of any business, but the multi-faceted and critical nature of an airport like Heathrow means any partner must show an impeccable track record an ability to deliver high availability networks in complex environments.
"Our strong track record working on mission-critical projects with the UK government and private sector organisations will ensure we’re able to deliver the value that BAA needs," Matcham added.
Testing & configuration services have started ahead of the planned installation in the terminal starting in November 2012, while the project design phase is nearing completion.
Scheduled to open in 2014, the new terminal will cost £2.5bn and is expected to be used by 20 million passengers a year.