Why aircraft emergency coordination matters
Airports operate under intense pressure. Every second during an aircraft emergency can determine not only the outcome of the incident but also the safety of hundreds of passengers and responders. Quick communication between dispatchers, airport operations, and on-site fire crews is essential, yet many airports still rely on aging crash phone systems and disconnected response protocols.
Modern airport alerting systems have changed that reality. These systems unify dispatch, operations, and airfield response in a single automated network, delivering alerts instantly to every point of contact that needs to act. They eliminate confusion, reduce call handoffs, and give Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) teams the real-time information they need to mobilize faster.
For airport safety officers, COOs, and ARFF chiefs, this guide outlines how next-generation alerting solutions improve readiness, compliance, and coordination during aircraft emergencies.
What is an Aircraft Emergency System (AES)?
An Aircraft Emergency System, or AES, is a specialized alerting and communication platform designed to automate notifications during an aircraft emergency. It connects dispatch centers, airport operations, ARFF stations, and external mutual aid agencies through an integrated network.
Traditional “crash phone” systems rely on manual dialing, verbal communication, and chained response calls. AES replaces that manual process with automated alerts, clear digital audio, and synchronized notifications to every connected device. The moment a call is initiated, information reaches all responders simultaneously without repeat calls or interpretation errors.
Westnet’s patented AES technology delivers precisely this level of reliability, giving airports a faster, clearer, and more compliant way to coordinate emergency responses.
The compliance factor: FAA Part 139 and beyond
Under FAA Part 139, airports must maintain an effective communication and alerting system capable of notifying all response personnel and agencies in real time. This requirement ensures that no delay or confusion can compromise safety during an incident.
An AES that integrates directly with airfield operations, dispatch systems, and ARFF stations satisfies and exceeds these requirements. Automated routing and preprogrammed escalation sequences ensure the correct responders are reached immediately, while call recordings and event logs support documentation and after-action reviews.
For compliance officers, this not only simplifies inspection preparation but also demonstrates proactive commitment to safety and coordination standards set by the FAA.
Faster response through unified alerting
In an emergency, seconds matter. A unified AES eliminates the need for multiple phone calls or repeated relay messages by sending simultaneous alerts to all responding units. ARFF crews receive instant notification through audio tones, visual indicators, and voice messages while airport operations, dispatchers, and command staff receive synchronized alerts and status updates.
This unified communication ensures that response starts immediately and that everyone has the same information from the first moment. It also enables coordinated activation of mutual aid agencies, police, and emergency medical teams when required, reducing delays and miscommunication.
As a result, response times improve, and ARFF teams can focus fully on execution rather than information flow.
Multi-agency coordination and interoperability
Airport emergencies rarely involve a single department. Response success depends on multiple agencies (fire, police, EMS, operations, and dispatch) working in harmony under a shared protocol.
Modern AES technology supports this level of interoperability. Each agency connects through its existing network, yet all receive alerts and updates through the same unified platform. Automated notifications trigger coordinated action without requiring separate communication systems.
This multi-agency approach creates consistency, reduces errors, and ensures that each department is aware of the same situational details. It turns what was once a chain of communication into a single, synchronized response effort.
Learn more about dispatch alerting, integration for public safety agencies.
Proven technology for ARFF performance
Westnet’s AES platform has been implemented at major airports across North America, helping agencies modernize legacy crash phone systems and meet rising safety expectations. Through patented technology, Westnet provides instantaneous notification, redundancy for uninterrupted operation, and full integration with existing airfield communication infrastructure.
ARFF teams using AES report improved response times, clearer coordination between stations, and stronger documentation for compliance audits. Beyond speed, the system’s dependability and modular design reduce downtime and maintenance costs, providing a lasting return on safety investment.
Data, documentation, and post-incident reporting
In addition to real-time performance, AES technology automatically records every event during an incident. Each activation, voice transmission, and acknowledgment is timestamped and archived for review. This level of documentation helps departments analyze response sequences, identify training opportunities, and demonstrate compliance to regulators and insurers.
Automated reporting ensures that every phase of the emergency, from notification to containment, can be measured, reviewed, and improved. The same system that speeds alerts in the moment continues to add value long after the event.
A smarter, safer way to manage aircraft emergencies
Aircraft emergencies demand speed, clarity, and precision. Unified airport alerting systems provide all three. By connecting dispatch, operations, and ARFF teams under one automated framework, airports achieve faster response times, stronger compliance, and safer outcomes for both passengers and responders.
For airport administrators, this technology represents a clear path toward higher safety standards, improved coordination, and lower operational risk.
Discover Westnet’s aircraft emergency alerting solutions or contact our team to learn how an AES can strengthen communication, compliance, and confidence in your airport’s emergency response.
