Authorities at the UK’s second-busiest airport are trialling the use of ‘smart stands’ to remotely guide planes’ parking manoeuvres, instead of having personnel on the ground to help aircraft reach their final position.

The ‘smart stand’ project was developed with easyJet’s support and is expected to run until the summer.

“Gatwick handles up to 55 movements an hour, and aircraft turnaround is the most important activity for maintaining on-time performance,” head of innovation Abhi Chacko told The Times on Thursday (26 December).

“Currently, activities are measured manually and have to be performed by staff on the ground, going from stand to stand. This new technology has the potential to significantly improve the aircraft turn process.”

According to Chako, on the ground staff will still be needed to carry out other operations, including refuelling and baggage handling.

“As London Gatwick’s largest airline with 22 million of our customers travelling through the airport each year, we are pleased to support the trial of initiatives like smart stand to help enhance airport resilience and passenger experience and we look forward to seeing the outcome of the trial," added easyJet’s director of Gatwick, Hugh McConnellogue.

TTG has approached Gatwick for additional comment.