Mission-Critical Private 5G Connectivity for Safer, Smarter Aviation
As airports drive digital transformation, the demand for unified, deterministic and pervasive wireless connectivity is more urgent than ever. From aircraft turnaround and MRO operations to passenger flow and perimeter security, MCA provides resilient, industrial-grade private wireless infrastructure tailored for today’s aviation needs.
Through a direct partnership with Nokia, supported by Infinity Technology Solutions (their leading value-added distributor in North America), we deliver end-to-end private wireless networks specifically designed to meet the unique demands of commercial airports, airfields, and airline partners.
Why Airports Are Ready for Digital Modernization
Legacy airport networks are fragmented, unreliable, and expensive to maintain. Public 4G/LTE networks are overloaded with passenger demand, Wi-Fi struggles with interference, and systems like TETRA are reaching end-of-life.
These outdated tools create significant challenges for aviation stakeholders, including:
- Poor airside coverage obstructed by aircraft wings
- Inconsistent connectivity between indoor and outdoor zones
- Increased vulnerability to cyber threats
- Inefficient operations and rising maintenance costs
MCA’s private wireless solutions offer secure, seamless 4G/LTE and 5G connectivity across all airport zones. This enables real-time automation, enhanced asset visibility, and operational resilience at scale.
A Unified Platform for Airport-Wide Innovation
Modern airports are more than transit hubs; they operate as mini smart cities. Managing aircraft movement, terminal operations, safety systems, and thousands of connected assets requires more than fragmented networks and siloed systems.
MCA’s private 5G solutions, built on Nokia’s Modular Private Wireless (MPW) and Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) private wireless, provide a comprehensive foundation for unified digital transformation. These platforms combine carrier-grade 4G/LTE and 5G radio infrastructure, edge computing, and secure network management in one scalable solution.
By enabling ultra-low latency communication and deterministic Quality of Service (QoS), these networks ensure mission-critical applications perform reliably, even under heavy demand or in challenging areas like hangars, tarmacs, or baggage tunnels.
Private 5G creates true convergence between IT, OT, and airport operations, eliminating wireless coverage gaps and enabling seamless control across departments, assets, and workflows. With full control over bandwidth, latency, and security policies, airports and airlines can confidently deploy next-generation applications.
Use Cases for Airport Digitalization
Smart Asset Tracking
Gain real-time visibility into the location and status of critical airport assets, from baggage carts and catering trucks to tow tractors and maintenance equipment. MCA’s private 5G networks support centimeter-level indoor positioning and GNSS-enhanced outdoor tracking. This reduces asset loss, streamlines dispatch, and supports location-based automation.
Operational Efficiency
Optimize below-wing operations and aircraft turnaround with automated workflows, connected ground crews, and AI-powered scheduling. Enable remote inspections of aircraft components via live 4K video feeds. Digitize MRO operations with real-time collaboration tools and predictive maintenance insights, delivered over a high-throughput, resilient network.
Security and Safety
Improve terminal and perimeter security with drone-based surveillance, AI-driven video analytics, and automated threat detection. Connect body-worn cameras, biometric access control points, and lone worker alerting systems into a unified communication platform. This ensures faster incident response and enhanced regulatory compliance.
Passenger Experience
Enhance customer experience with digital signage, mobile wayfinding, and terminal analytics powered by high-density, high-capacity wireless. Provide context-aware services such as personalized alerts, proactive rerouting during disruptions, and smart queue management using foot traffic sensors and flow monitoring supported by edge AI.
Sustainability
Monitor air quality, energy consumption, water usage, and emissions across the airport ecosystem. Integrate sensor networks with centralized dashboards to enable data-driven decisions on resource allocation, HVAC controls, and electric vehicle charging. Private 5G ensures reliable sensor backhaul, transforming environmental data into actionable insights.
Building MRO 4.0: Digital Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul
Private wireless is transforming the MRO segment. Aircraft maintenance teams can now perform HD remote inspections, augmented reality-guided repairs, and real-time diagnostics through a secure and interference-free 5G network that covers every corner of the hangar.
MCA’s private wireless solutions:
- Eliminate handover drops and Wi-Fi dead zones
- Enable virtual table inspections, reducing travel costs and delays
- Improve safety by connecting tools, teams, and systems in real time
- Future-proof MRO workflows with integrated video analytics and IoT
MCA: Aviation Connectivity Without Compromise
With extensive expertise in mission-critical communications and full access to Nokia’s private wireless portfolio, MCA delivers unmatched technical capabilities and reliable service for aviation clients. From initial planning to airport-wide rollouts, our team designs, implements, and supports custom 4G/LTE 5G networks built for long-term growth.
We are already transforming operations at U.S. airports and are ready to help you move forward with:
- Fast and phased deployments of private LTE/5G infrastructure
- Integration of AI, edge computing, and automation tools
- Seamless roaming across public networks, Wi-Fi, and legacy systems
- Aviation-grade cybersecurity and network resilience
Contact MCA today to discover how private wireless can streamline operations, enhance safety, and deliver ROI for your airport or airline network. Let us help you create a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future in aviation.
About MCA and Our NIS Team
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted technology integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers rely on MCA to deliver carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort required to research, install, and maintain the right technologies to help your organization thrive.
Our nationwide team of certified professionals brings a service-first mindset to every engagement, offering a full suite of reliable technologies backed by expert support throughout the entire solution lifecycle.
Previously operating as LightSpeed Technologies, Nokia’s #1 VAR, the team has joined MCA’s Network Infrastructure Solutions group. With the support of our sister company, Infinity Technology Solutions—Nokia’s #1 Distributor—MCA brings extensive expertise in broadband and critical communications infrastructure. Together, we enable channel partners and end-users to design and deploy advanced private wireless networks, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS routing, and optical networking technologies, delivering solutions tailored to the demands of today’s most complex environments.