Aging, obsolete revolving exit doors had become a security and maintenance headache for Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). In addition, growing needs for passenger flow required that they be manned 24/7. ABQ turned to exit lane breach control technology (ELBC) to solve its problems and merge security with convenience.
“Like every airport, we have specialized needs,” said David Galdony, Business Technology Specialist (IT), ABQ. “We were looking for a system that met all of our security concerns and stringent requirements yet were still comfortable for the passenger.”
Today’s traveler demands convenience at every stage of their journey – from the moment they enter the terminal to the time they exit the concourse. This puts pressure on airport improvement programs to elevate the passenger experience. Progressive airports like ABQ are responding by focusing on all touch points along the passenger journey, transforming the airport experience with efficient processes.
ABQ chose dormakaba’s ELBC system to maintain the highest level of security, improve passenger flow, and reduce congestion. ELBC technology employs real-time video analytics, 3-D imaging, system monitors, and motion sensors that integrate with airport security and fire detection systems. The “smart technology” detects and identifies suspect persons and objects left unattended, while greatly reducing the potential for false alarms. ELBC virtually eliminates the need for security personnel to be stationed at exit lanes enabling them to be deployed elsewhere in the airport.
“The advanced engineering and technology of dormakaba’s ELBCs have allowed us to exceed our requirements,” said Galdony. “We no longer have the frustration of maintaining an obsolete system that we couldn’t find parts for, and we were able to eliminate the need for a security guard. We’ve calculated a three-year ROI just by removing the security guard. And, we have the added benefit that an automated system doesn’t get distracted or fatigued after many hours of doing a repetitive task.”
dormakaba’s Exit Lane Breach Control (ELBC) corridor future-proofs passenger processes. It offers automated controlled access and secured one-way pedestrian flow for unrestricted egress to guide passengers from the airside to the landside. Passengers go through several automated door sets while the system monitors flow through multiple sensors and video analytic surveillance. Its stainless-steel construction withstands the rigors of high traffic. The modular system enables customizable configurations to meet specific architectural and performance needs.
“With the sensors/camera setup and automatic actions of the system, we have confidence with our situational awareness,” said Galdony. “We also have increased our passenger flow by over 300 percent and the movement through design is more ADA friendly for passengers.”
