Connected Aviation: Transformation Series
Insights, Case Studies & Strategy on Smart Airport Infrastructure, Operations & Passenger Experience
Airports are no longer just transit hubs — they are becoming digital ecosystems. From private 5G and IoT to edge computing and AI, aviation leaders are modernizing terminals, ground operations, and passenger experiences. This series brings together TeckNexus articles, case studies, and thought leadership on the technologies, strategies, and investments shaping the next generation of smart airports.
Private Network Magazine: Aviation Edition
October–November 2025
Winners of the Private Network Industry Awards
Spotlight on award-winning aviation projects and innovators recognized in 2025.
Exclusive Executive Interviews
Deep-dive conversations with airport CIOs, airline leaders, and ecosystem partners — unique to the magazine.
Global Deployment Case Studies
Expanded coverage of airport implementations worldwide (beyond what the articles touch on).
Future Outlook from Aviation Technology Leaders
Forward-looking insights on connectivity, automation, and digital transformation shaping aviation in 2026 and beyond.
Connected Aviation: Foundational Articles
Connected Aviation: Magazine Articles and Interviews
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. ...
Purdue University Airport, the first university-owned and operated airport in the U.S., is a hub of aviation education and innovation. Supporting programs in professional flight, mechanics, and airline management, the airport integrates real-world operations with cutting-edge research. Historic ties to Amelia Earhart and partnerships with Saab and Ericsson further solidify ...
Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and Purdue University, in partnership with Ericsson, are redefining aviation through its "airport of the future" initiative. Leveraging its own airport and a legacy of innovation, Purdue collaborates with Saab and other industry leaders to drive advancements in passenger experience, operations, and safety. A 5G network ...
Connected Aviation: Deployments and Use Cases
In partnership with Ericsson and Saab, Purdue University Airport has unveiled a one-of-a-kind 5G network designed to function as a "lab to life" testing ground. This platform will enable academics, researchers, and businesses to create scalable commercial solutions aimed at enhancing operations and security for airports of varying sizes. ...
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport announces a partnership with AT&T to enhance the airport's wireless platform and critical infrastructure, with $10 million invested in upgrades, 200 new access points, and a private 5G network. ...
Experience the revolution in airport operations as Aena and Cellnex Telecom pilot a 5G private network at San Sebastian Airport, laying the groundwork for advanced applications, improved efficiency, and sustainable service. ...
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. Ericsson’s network supports both 4G and 5G, enabling IoT ...
Boldyn Networks has been selected to enhance wireless and Wi-Fi connectivity at Nashville International Airport (BNA). Serving over 23 million passengers annually, BNA will benefit from a robust Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and improved Wi-Fi network to ensure seamless, high-speed connectivity. Boldyn Networks’ expertise in managing complex transit environments, coupled ...
YYC Calgary International Airport, in partnership with TELUS, has launched Canada’s first 5G private wireless network, transforming airport operations with real-time IoT tracking, AI-driven automation, and ultra-secure connectivity. This 10-year initiative enhances passenger experience, baggage handling, and airport security, setting a new benchmark for smart airports. ...
Spark and Air New Zealand have activated New Zealand’s first Private 5G Network for business operations at Auckland Airport’s logistics warehouse. Using Ericsson’s enterprise-grade 5G, the network powers a drone-robot system that automates stocktakes, keeps staff safer by removing the need for high-shelf manual scanning, and provides real-time inventory data ...
Hrvatski Telekom’s NextGen 5G Airports project will deploy Private 5G Networks at Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula Airports to boost safety, efficiency, and airport automation. By combining 5G Standalone, Edge Computing, AI, and IoT, the initiative enables drones, smart cameras, and AI tablets to digitize inspections, secure perimeters, and streamline operations, ...
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has deployed a dedicated private cellular network with Communication Technology Services (CTS), replacing legacy Wi-Fi and fiber systems. The network provides secure, low-latency connectivity for airfield operations, surveillance, and perimeter gates while creating a foundation for AI-driven automation, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation airport infrastructure. ...
Hrvatski Telekom will deploy dedicated private 5G networks at Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula airports under a €5.6 million “NextGen 5G Airports” program co-financed by the European Commission’s CEF Digital initiative. The project was selected in a competitive CEF Digital call focused on 5G and edge for smart communities, with €3.09 ...
ZTE, China Unicom Liaoning and Dalian Changhai Airport have put a 5G-Advanced private network with integrated sensing and communications into live service to address low-altitude security at an island test flight field. The partners deployed a private 5G-Advanced architecture that fuses high-throughput connectivity with precision sensing on the same infrastructure, ...
