Demonstrating Next-Level Communication Across Rail and Aviation This Summer
As summer ramps up, so does the dBD Communications‘ calendar — with key industry events across the UK and overseas giving us the perfect platform to showcase what’s next in wireless communication. June marks our return to Rail Live, one of the sector’s most immersive rail exhibitions, alongside growing aviation interest around the upcoming GHI Americas show and an expanded presence across Europe.
From proven systems to newly developed upgrades, we’ll be spotlighting a range of innovative products that continue to enhance safety, efficiency and clarity for teams working in high-risk environments. With both Athena and Apollo solutions at the centre — across rail, pushback, wing-walking and more — we’re proud to demonstrate how technology tailored for critical comms can unlock real-world impact.
In this month’s blog, we’re breaking down key products across sectors, highlighting where you can catch us next, and sharing insight into our ongoing customer outreach — including a busy schedule of Network Rail route visits and international show previews.
Rail Live 2025: Showcasing Innovation at the UK’s Largest Rail Exhibition
We’re pleased to confirm our attendance at Rail Live 2025, taking place on 18–19 June at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre. As the UK’s largest outdoor rail exhibition, Rail Live provides the ideal setting to connect with over 7,000 rail professionals, explore the latest innovations, and engage in live demonstrations set within a fully functioning rail environment.
With more than 300 suppliers exhibiting across just two days, Rail Live is an unrivalled opportunity to network with key stakeholders, evaluate new technologies, and discover smarter ways to build safety, coordination and efficiency into rail operations for 2025 and beyond.
Expert Guidance, Live Demonstrations
This year, our team will be on hand throughout the event on stand P80 to offer guidance and showcase our latest communication systems — including the Athena and Apollo product ranges. You’ll find Andrew O’Connell, our Rail & Construction Account Director, and Jonathan Livesey, our Internal Sales Manager, providing live product insights and sharing sector expertise at the stand. CEO David O’Connell and Managing Director Amanda O’Connell will also be in attendance on Tuesday 18th June.
Playing a pivotal role in supporting industry-wide improvements, particularly in the face of ongoing infrastructure upgrades and a growing skills gap, Andrew comments:
“The rail sector is navigating a real inflection point — balancing safety, project delivery and workforce development all at once. Communication is no longer just a tool; it’s a strategic asset. That’s why we’re focusing not only on advancing wireless solutions, but also on supporting teams with the training and confidence they need to operate efficiently. With investment rising in digital infrastructure, the opportunity for meaningful innovation is here — and we’re proud to be helping customers turn that potential into performance.”
From Trackside to Tarmac: Aviation Events Take Flight
As the aviation industry continues to evolve under rising demand and tighter safety standards, the need for smarter, more dependable communication systems has never been greater. Over the coming months, dBD will take part in two of the sector’s most influential events — GHI Americas and G12 Malaga — each offering a powerful platform to showcase how wireless duplex solutions are reshaping operations at ground level.
With a growing focus on ramp safety, workforce training and operational efficiency, both events reflect the critical role communication technology plays in reducing risk and improving coordination around the aircraft. We will be on hand to share insights, discuss key products and contribute to panel sessions and technical discussions — so if you’re attending, we’d love to connect and show how our systems are delivering real-world impact across airside operations.
GHI Americas: Industry Conversations That Matter
3-5 June 2025
Going beyond the exhibition floor, CEO David O’Connell is joining two expert sessions focused on safety innovation and operational training. The first panel sees David alongside Gino Matteoni, SVP Safety & Training at Dnata, in a discussion exploring how equipment-led safety improvements are transforming ramp operations. With dBD systems now integrated into Dnata’s ground teams — and zero incidents reported since — the session will highlight how the growing uptake of duplex communication is boosting situational awareness, reducing risk, and creating seamless team connections around the flight deck to reduce damage.
David will also speak alongside Jon Jackson, VP of Safety & Training at PrimeFlight, focusing on how wireless communication is supporting more responsive team behaviour through better training and enhanced awareness. With both sessions emphasising real-world results, GHI Americas provides the perfect setting to reinforce how dBD technology is already delivering impact at scale.
G12 Malaga: Driving Standards in De-Icing
18-22 May
At G12 Malaga, a technical forum hosted by SAE International, David will present on the role of wireless duplex comms in de-icing operations. Contributing to the Equipment and Future Technology committees, he’ll share how our systems are helping shape future standards by reducing delays and improving safety in harsh weather conditions.
With safety and efficiency at the core, dBD continues to lead from the front — not just as a supplier, but as a trusted voice in industry-wide innovation.
Rail Product Spotlight: Smarter Systems for Safer Sites
Across the rail sector, clarity of communication can make all the difference — whether it’s coordinating engineering works, ensuring safe track access, or responding quickly in high-pressure situations. Our rail portfolio continues to evolve to meet these demands, with tried-and-tested systems that have become trusted staples across the UK and internationally. In this spotlight, we take a closer look at the Athena and Apollo ranges — as well as the kit configurations helping rail teams work smarter every day.
Athena: Hands-Free Communication for Safer Sites
Athena remains a leading choice for rail engineers, offering hands-free duplex communication across distances of up to 500 metres for two-user setups. Designed for flexibility across different work environments, the system supports a wide range of headset options — from heavy-duty to lightweight builds — ensuring comfort, clarity, and durability in all conditions.
In addition to headset interfaces, Athena is available in two primary vehicle integration setups: the Standard Cab-Kit, ideal for vehicle or fixed-site installations, and the Compact Cab-Kit, engineered for portability and rapid deployment in more confined or mobile setups.
Apollo: Flexible Interfaces for Larger Teams
The Apollo system continues to deliver reliable, real-time communication in even the most challenging site conditions. Designed as a truly hybrid solution, Apollo supports a growing range of scalable configurations — making it ideal for both planned works and reactive callouts in larger team deployments.
Available in multiple interface variants to suit different operating styles and environments, Apollo offers flexibility across the board — from structured track possessions to responsive fault-finding tasks. The image below highlights just one aspect of its capability: the Apollo Cab-kit combined system, which demonstrates how Apollo integrates seamlessly into cab environments as part of a broader communications suite. With fast setup, dependable range, and an expanding portfolio of use cases, Apollo remains a critical asset on site — helping teams maintain safety, clarity, and control from start to finish.
Phantom: Scalable Communication Without the Base
The Apollo Phantom is our most popular multi-user solution in rail — offering a streamlined setup that removes the need for a traditional base unit. Ideal for dynamic teams on the move, the Phantom headset connects directly with up to two Athena headsets, enabling clear duplex communication right out of the box.
Its real strength lies in scalability: by adding more Phantom units, teams can expand their network with ease, creating a flexible chain of communication that adapts to the demands of the task. Lightweight, rugged, and quick to deploy, Apollo Phantom is the go-to choice for crews needing reliable coordination without the complexity of fixed installations.
Aviation Product Spotlight: Ground Handling, Reimagined
From pushback to wing walking, airside operations rely on seamless, real-time communication to keep teams safe and aircraft moving. Our aviation product range is purpose-built for these environments — designed to reduce miscommunication, minimise delays, and keep ground crews connected in high-risk, high-pressure conditions. This spotlight highlights key systems currently supporting frontline operations, including new innovations and proven performers that continue to shape the standard for smarter ground handling.
Backup Cables
No communication system is completely immune to operational challenges. Even the most advanced wireless solutions can encounter unexpected disruptions, whether due to environmental factors, equipment wear, or external interference. That’s why, at dBD Communications, we emphasise not only the reliability of our core systems but also the importance of contingency planning.
To minimise the risk of communication loss, we recommend keeping an audio extension lead as part of your operational toolkit. This simple yet effective backup provides a direct connection to key operational areas, including the cockpit, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication when needed. Speak to the team to find out how you can remain operationally ready at any moments notice.
Minerva Air Pushback System
The Minerva Air system provides unrestricted movement for wing walks, inspections, and engineering tasks, ensuring clear, reliable communication without cables. Designed for pushback and airside operations, it’s a proven solution across various aircraft, including the B787 and A380.
In single-man operations, the Tug Driver wears a wireless headset, while in two-man operations, the Headset Man maintains contact with the Flight Deck using the Momentary Microphone button. For expanded communication, a 2 or 3-way splitter cable allows multiple operatives (such as training personnel, wing walkers, or Brake Riders) to stay connected throughout the operation.
Apollo Wing Walker: Multi-User Coordination
The Apollo Wing Walker system provides full-duplex, wireless communication for ground handling teams working in high-pressure, airside environments. Purpose-built for multi-user setups, it enables seamless real-time communication between tug drivers, wing walkers, headset operators, and flight deck crew — ensuring everyone stays connected throughout the pushback process.
With a range of up to 150 metres and the ability to support multiple simultaneous users, the system offers the flexibility to adapt to each team’s unique configuration. Housed in a robust flight bag for quick deployment, Apollo Wing Walker includes high-performance noise-cancelling headsets and hands-free operation to improve both clarity and crew coordination in even the noisiest ramp environments.
Minerva Ajax: Redesigned for Clarity, Comfort and Control
The updated Minerva Ajax system brings clearer communication, tougher design and better comfort to high-noise airside operations. Ideal for extra noisy environments, it enables seamless coordination between the Headset Operator and the Flight Deck.
Key advancements in this latest update include an updated and optimised mic position for clearer speech, enhanced sound deadening, and a PETG casing for greater impact resistance. A new ambidextrous lanyard design and high-visibility finish improve usability and handling on the ramp — even in fast-moving conditions.
All Aboard: Western Route Visits Kick Off This May
Our Rail & Construction Account Director, Andrew O’Connell, is back on the tracks — this time focusing on Western Regional Routes (14 on map). Starting 27th May, he’ll be on a two-week tour offering hands-on demos and expert advice to rail teams across the region.
As part of our commitment to site-specific support, we’re offering free consultations to help teams find the right duplex communication setup. Andrew brings deep industry insight, assessing current systems and recommending solutions that enhance safety, streamline workflows and cut downtime. Want to schedule a visit? Drop us a line — we’re here to keep your team connected, loud and clear.
Wrapping Up: Innovation in Motion
With a packed schedule of upcoming events, product advancements and on-the-ground outreach, this month’s activity reflects just how much momentum is building across both the rail and aviation sectors. From the latest Athena and Apollo variants to our growing presence at GHI Americas and G12 Malaga, it’s clear that dependable communication is more vital than ever — and we’re proud to be at the forefront.
Last month’s Rail Link event generated fantastic engagement and industry interest, with strong feedback on both our presence and product demonstrations at the event. That energy is continuing to ripple across every conversation we’re having — and with more visits, launches and insights to come, we’re just getting started. Stay tuned, stay connected — and as always, if you’d like to know more about any of the systems featured here, we’re only a call or message away.