Aircraft WiFi Antenna Maintenance Stand – Safe and Efficient Access for Next-Generation Fleets
In aviation, onboard internet connectivity is now a basic expectation for passengers. However, the satellite WiFi antennas located on aircraft require regular inspection and maintenance. For this task, we developed our new aircraft maintenance stand, which we first assembled and tested at our own facility. The accompanying video was also shot here before the stand was shipped to our partner in France. The equipment is specifically designed to support antenna maintenance for the Airbus A350 and other similar aircraft types.
Function and Use
The stand's purpose is to provide safe, fast, and ergonomic access to the WiFi antennas located on top of the aircraft. The multi-functional design of the equipment allows for:
- working around the antenna at fuselage level,
- safe removal and lowering of the antenna to the ground using the rotating hoist,
- access to the PAX door (a separate auxiliary stand section is provided for the A350-900 type),
- any mechanical intervention on the aircraft in its basic position, standing on wheels.
Design Advantages
The stand meets the maintenance needs of airlines, as it offers:
- a lightweight, wheeled structure that is easy to move,
- a safe working environment with non-slip flooring and aluminum railings,
- can be erected quickly by just six people, minimizing aircraft ground time,
- modular, flexible work platforms that can be adapted to various maintenance situations.
Robust, Yet Lightweight Structure
The stand is constructed from steel (with RAL9006 paint) and aluminum railings. This combination provides strength, durability, and low weight simultaneously, making it easy to handle. Thanks to its simplified design, the stand is easy to maintain: it consists of widely available components, requires no special tools, and can be used safely after minimal training.
Work Levels and Access Points
The stand consists of two main work levels and three intermediate rest levels:
- First Level: Provides access to the B787-9 and B777-200/300 aircraft types' PAX doors, and for the A350-900, an additional, removable podium can be used. Movable railings and a self-locking door ensure safety.
- Second Level: Direct work surface around the antenna, surrounded by self-locking gates and an adjustable protective railing (canopy). This level houses the electric hoist with a rotating boom, capable of moving the antenna with a lifting capacity of up to 125 kg and a working radius of 3 meters.
This stand elevates the maintenance of aircraft onboard internet systems to a new level: it offers a fast, safe, and cost-effective solution for airlines, while optimizing maintenance processes and reducing ground time.