Ericsson Private 5G Pilot Takes Flight at Schiphol Airport

Ericsson has launched a private 5G network pilot at Schiphol Airport, aimed at modernizing operations as part of the "Airport 4.0" strategy. The network addresses the airport's challenges like aging infrastructure and increasing passenger volumes with a secure, high-speed, low-latency solution. Ericssonโ€™s network supports both 4G and 5G, enabling IoT integration, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security, positioning Schiphol as a global leader in airport innovation.
Ericsson Private 5G Pilot Takes Flight at Schiphol Airport
Image Credit: Ericsson and Schiphol Airport

Ericsson and Schiphol Launch Private 5G Pilot

Ericsson has partnered with Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest airports globally, to launch an advanced private 5G network pilot. This collaboration aims to support the airport’s ambitions under the “Airport 4.0” strategy, driving innovation, safety, and efficiency through cutting-edge technology. The project is part of Schiphol’s broader digital transformation and its mission to future-proof airport operations with robust and customized infrastructure.

Challenges Facing Schiphol Airport and the Need for Private 5G


Airports, especially major hubs like Schiphol, face several operational challenges. Aging infrastructure, increasing passenger volumes, and the demand for real-time data and automation require a modernized approach to connectivity. Schiphol has also identified the need for greater control over its communications network, as reliance on public or shared networks can limit flexibility, security, and performance. The challenge is to implement a high-speed, low-latency network that can scale and adapt to the airport’s evolving needs, including IoT integration, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security.

How Ericssonโ€™s Private 5G Network Solves Schipholโ€™s Connectivity Challenges

The solution to these challenges is Ericsson’s Private 5G network, which offers secure, high-speed wireless connectivity tailored to Schipholโ€™s specific needs. This dedicated network provides the airport with full control over its communications infrastructure, allowing it to optimize performance and reliability. Schipholโ€™s dedicated spectrum, granted by the Dutch regulator, is a key enabler of this initiative, ensuring the airport’s exclusive use of 5G for critical operations.

The Ericsson Private 5G network delivers a dual-mode core, supporting both 4G and 5G in a single server. This setup is pre-integrated for rapid deployment, ensuring quick time-to-service and enhanced security by keeping sensitive data onsite. The private 5G network is ideal for high-demand applications, offering flexibility to support multiple use cases, including IoT-based monitoring, real-time safety systems, and predictive maintenance.

Early Successes: IoT and Predictive Maintenance in the 5G Pilot

Schiphol’s activation of the Ericsson Private 5G network marks the first step in exploring a variety of innovative use cases. Early implementations have focused on IoT monitoring solutions, improving real-time safety through advanced sensors, and predictive maintenance for airport equipment. This technology provides the high-speed, low-latency environment necessary for these solutions to function effectively.

The private network also aims to enhance the customer experience by enabling services like smart luggage tracking and contactless passenger processing, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. This digital transformation positions Schiphol as a leader in adopting next-generation technology to improve overall airport operations.

Why Ericssonโ€™s 5G Technology Was the Right Choice for Schiphol

Ericssonโ€™s Private 5G solution was selected for its adaptability, security, and enterprise-grade reliability. Built for business-critical connectivity, the solution integrates 4G and 5G seamlessly, allowing Schiphol to phase in new capabilities without disruptions. The secure architecture ensures that all sensitive airport data remains onsite, minimizing risks associated with external networks.

Furthermore, the Ericsson Private 5G network is scalable and flexible, making it suitable for a variety of airport applications, from IoT to predictive analytics, while maintaining high performance and low latency.

Key Benefits of Ericssonโ€™s Private 5G Network for Schiphol Airport

Implementing a private 5G network provides Schiphol with several key benefits. First, it enhances security by giving the airport full control over its communications infrastructure. Second, the high-speed, low-latency network allows for the deployment of advanced IoT and automation solutions. Third, it reduces reliance on public networks, offering greater flexibility and customization to meet the airportโ€™s specific needs. This future-proofs Schipholโ€™s operations, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation in the aviation sector.

How Schipholโ€™s 5G Pilot Could Influence the Global Aviation Industry

Schiphol’s adoption of Ericsson Private 5G sets a new standard for airports worldwide. By integrating cutting-edge wireless connectivity, Schiphol is addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure and preparing for the future of air travel. This initiative demonstrates how private 5G can enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger experiences, and bolster safety and security. Other airports and industries may look to this pilot as a model for their digital transformations.

Ericssonโ€™s Role in Leading 5G Innovation at Schiphol Airport

Ericsson is a leading player in providing private 5G networks, offering a solution that is specifically designed for business-critical environments like Schiphol. By partnering with Schiphol, Ericsson is not only delivering its advanced private network solution but also showcasing the benefits of private 5G for industries that require secure, high-performance connectivity.

Manish Tiwari, Head of Private Cellular Networks at Ericsson, emphasized the importance of the partnership: โ€œWe are proud to partner with Schiphol on this pioneering project. By leveraging Ericsson Private 5G, Schiphol is setting the stage for innovative solutions that will help them explore the full potential of 5G and the benefits it brings to airport operations.”

Schiphol’s leadership in adopting private 5G is expected to influence similar projects across the aviation industry, demonstrating the tangible benefits of next-generation network technology.

Collaborative Efforts: Schiphol and Ericssonโ€™s 5G Partnership

The success of this project is supported by Schipholโ€™s collaboration with regulatory authorities in the Netherlands, who provided the dedicated 5G spectrum needed for the private network. This partnership enables Schiphol to operate with full autonomy over its communications network. Additionally, Ericssonโ€™s role as a technology partner ensures that the network is deployed efficiently and delivers the required performance to support the airport’s transformation goals.

Current Status: Schipholโ€™s 5G Network Pilot in Action

The Ericsson Private 5G network pilot is currently active at Schiphol, with initial use cases being tested and refined. These include IoT-based monitoring, real-time safety enhancements, and predictive maintenance. As the pilot progresses, more innovative applications are expected to be explored, contributing to the airportโ€™s overall digital transformation.

The project began with the launch of the private 5G pilot in October 2024. The next phase will involve expanding the networkโ€™s capabilities and exploring additional use cases in 2025 and beyond. Full-scale deployment is expected to continue over the coming years as Schiphol and Ericsson work together to optimize the system.


Recent Content

Web3 is redefining the telecom industry by introducing decentralized infrastructure, blockchain-based billing, smart contracts, NFTs, and digital identity. This article explores how telcos can evolve from connectivity providers to key players in Web3 ecosystemsโ€”offering programmable services, token economies, and secure, user-centric digital experiences.
As the telecom industry celebrates World Telecom Day 2025, the theme is clear: connectivity is not just infrastructureโ€”it is empowerment. It is what enables a student in a rural village to access world-class education, a farmer to monitor crops via smart sensors, or a doctor to conduct remote surgery with millisecond precision.
AT&T will acquire Lumenโ€™s consumer fiber business in a $5.75B deal to expand its broadband coverage to 60 million U.S. locations by 2030. The transaction gives AT&T access to 4M enabled locations, 1M subscribers, and new metro markets like Seattle and Phoenix. Meanwhile, Lumen refocuses on enterprise innovation and AI-first networking.
As 5G expands, reduced-capability (RedCap) and enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) IoT devices face pressure to transition from 4G. But adoption has lagged due to price and value challenges. This article explores why OEMs are holding back, the role of low-power DSP modem platforms like Cevaโ€™s, and how software-defined radio and flexibility are key to unlocking 5Gโ€™s potential in high-volume, low-bandwidth IoT applications.
Verizon joins the Buffalo Bills as a Founding Partner of Highmark Stadium, bringing 5G connectivity, sustainability-focused services, and smart venue technology to the teamโ€™s new home in Orchard Park. The partnership includes ownership of the DAS system, advanced operational tools, AR fan features, and exclusive Verizon customer activationsโ€”setting a new benchmark for connected sports venues by 2026.
Singtel launches 5G+, introducing nationwide network slicing for both consumers and enterprises, a global first. This upgrade brings faster speeds, lower latency, stronger indoor coverage, and real-time cyber protection to over 1.5 million users. Singtel 5G+ enhances mobile connectivity with the 700MHz spectrum, priority plans, and app-based slicing for business-critical apps, aligning with Singaporeโ€™s Smart Nation goals.
Whitepaper
Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality....
Whitepaper
Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
Article & Insights
This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top