A full suite of ASSA ABLOY access management devices secure Helsinki Airport

Challenge

Managing access into and around Helsinki Airport is a complex task. Around 15,000 people work there daily pre-pandemic passenger numbers hovered around 60,000 to 70,000.

Clearly, only authorized people should have access to many areas at an airport. The management of movement — by passengers, staff and contractors — is critical to Finavia’s mission to deliver an efficient service. They sought new access solutions to help.

Requirements

• Facilitate the move to keyless security at the airport, which aims to enhance user convenience
• Offer compatibility so Finavia can secure all types of opening, from doors and cabinets to fences and cargo
• Integrate seamlessly with the existing access control system and software used at Helsinki Airport
• Meet essential requirements for securing such a sensitive site: safety, functionality, durability and usability

Solution

With Aperio H100 battery-powered handles, all types of airport door are now connected to their access control system. This Aperio solution with inbuilt RFID capability was easy to install — without cabling that traditional devices require. “Now we see in real time who will open the lock and when, and we can modify and grant access rights — remotely,” explains Kari Mäkinen.

Authorized building users come and go with programmable, secure ID cards. It’s much more convenient than a mechanical key: “The access cards of both Finavia personnel and staff of other companies are easily programmed with necessary access rights,” he adds.

“When employees change, their access is disabled. Or if the card gets lost, it can be completely removed from the system. With mechanical keys, that process is much harder.”

Multiple compatible ASSA ABLOY solutions are deployed alongside wireless Aperio and CLIQ door devices. Keyless, mobile-operated padlocks secure fencing and cargo. An antimicrobial coating on door handles helps to prevent germ spread and reassures staff. The availability of all these solutions from a single manufacturer helped Finavia to create a unified, integrated system at Helsinki Airport.

“Safety, functionality, durability, security of supply and usability were the reasons we chose the ASSA ABLOY solution.” Kari Mäkinen, Senior Access Control Specialist at Helsinki Airport