In a significant development for China’s aviation sector, the newly inaugurated Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) saw the first-ever deployment of the Safedock FleX in Mainland China. The occasion was on June 28th, 2024, with the terminal beginning operations for both domestic and international flights. Ensuring top-notch apron safety and efficiency, 34 units of the advanced Safedock Flex have been installed, marking a remarkable stride in the airport’s expansion and modernization efforts.

Pioneering the Comprehensive Expansion of Yantai Penglai International Airport

Terminal 2 stands as a testament to the ambitious expansion project at Yantai Penglai International Airport. Its innovative harbor-type design aims to optimize passenger boarding through bridges, considerably reduce walking distances, and enhance the overall passenger experience. The incorporation of Safedock FleX into this design philosophy is pivotal, as it assures unmatched apron safety, delivers precise aircraft guidance, and contributes to a smooth travel experience with its cutting-edge technology.

Overcoming Challenges and Setting the Benchmark
The project’s ambition met with considerable challenges, notably the tight timeline. Usually, such projects span six months to a year in China, but the Yantai project’s timeline was a mere hundred days from contract signing to project acceptance. This rigorous schedule put ADB SAFEGATE’s planning, organizational, delivery, commissioning, and emergency response capabilities to the test.

Furthermore, Safedock FleX, being the last piece of equipment to be added, had to navigate installation and commissioning amidst already installed Passenger Boarding Bridges, Aircraft Stand Information Signs, and other apron facilities. Despite these challenges, the successful deployment was a testament to the strong cooperation between ADB SAFEGATE China and Sichuan Huaxi Installation Engineering Co., Ltd, underpinned by mutual trust and extensive A-VDGS implementation experience.

The Global Rise of Safedock FleX
Since its launch in the summer of 2022, Safedock FleX has quickly distinguished itself through its flexible platform and intelligent technology. Winning accolades from airports and airlines globally, it has found homes in prestigious locations like Aeroporti di Roma,  Munich International, Singapore Changi Airport, Brisbane Airport , Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth  and Miami International Airport. This wide adoption underlines its effectiveness and innovative edge in enhancing airside operations.

With its debut at Yantai Penglai International Airport T2, Safedock FleX begins a new chapter in service to China’s civil aviation, promising to elevate airside operations and continue the legacy of the Safedock family as a benchmark project for airports across China.

Looking Ahead: Expanding FleX’s Footprint in China
The near future is poised to witness an expansion of Safedock FleX installations across China’s airports, signaling a new era in airside operational efficiency and safety.

Discovering China’s First Safedock FleX Project
We invite you to explore the first installation of Safedock FleX in China – watch the video and experience the innovation that marks a significant step in smart airport technology.

>>Watch the video showcasing China’s first Safedock FleX project

Click the image to watch the video showcasing China’s first Safedock FleXproject

About Yantai Penglai International Airport
Yantai Penglai International Airport is a 4E-class airport that began construction in December 2009 and officially opened in May 2015. By 2019, its passenger throughput had surpassed 10 million, far exceeding the initial phase’s design capacity.

The airport’s second phase, launched in March 2020, includes the construction of a new T2 terminal, 33 gates, a tower and traffic center, and a ground car park. After the completion of the construction, it can meet the annual passenger throughput of 23 million and cargo throughput of 200,000 tons, greatly improving the passenger/cargo capacity and passenger travel experience of Yantai Airport.

ADB SAFEGATE is a company that provides integrated solutions to airports, air-lines, and ANSPs.  We are proud to be leading the way with innovative and smart Airside 4.0 solutions that turn airports into smart airports, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the passenger experience. Solutions include airfield lighting, power and control systems, airport and tower software, docking automation, apron management, and aftermarket services.  With over 1,400 employees and over 2,700 airports in over 175 countries, from the busiest and largest to the fastest-growing airports, ADB SAFEGATE is dedicated to making air travel safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.