OREANDA-NEWS. August 9, 2012. BAA has selected Fujitsu as network integrator for the new Terminal 2 building at Heathrow Airport, which is currently in development and due to open in 2014. Under the terms of the contract, which is worth an estimated 20m, Fujitsu will design and implement a network infrastructure to support all the terminal’s network operations – from check-in and security to air conditioning systems and retail outlets.

The Terminal 2 project is the latest stage in a five-year, 4.8 billion transformation of Heathrow Airport which began after the opening of Terminal 5 in 2008. The new terminal will cost 2.5bn and is expected to be used by 20 million passengers a year. The aim is to give passengers the best airport experience in Europe and turn Heathrow into the UK’s gateway to the world and Europe’s hub of choice.

Peter Kent, head of ICS, Terminal 2, BAA, said: “With the bulk of Star Alliance airlines due to operate out of the terminal, we are 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. 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.”

The resilient network will be designed, tested, commissioned and implemented over the next three years and will be integrated with the wider Heathrow Airport network – ensuring it meets the stringent BAA service availability requirements.

Charles Matcham, head of manufacturing, utilities & services at Fujitsu UK & Ireland, commented: “To be part of such a significant transformation project is extremely exciting. 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.”

The project Design Phase is nearing completion while testing & configuration services have commenced ahead of the planned installation into the terminal starting in November 2012.

The key systems that will be supported by the LAN include:

Voice – IP telephony and analogue telephony

Wireless LAN

IPTV

Security systems - (eg CCTV, Access Control Systems, Integrated Departure Lounge, Flow Analytics, Automated PAX process, Positive Boarding)

Airport operations systems and management - (eg flight information display systems, staff information systems, automated public address)

Resource management systems

Check-in

Baggage reconciliation system

Building control and management systems (Light control, metering, fire alarm system)

Third party retail concessions