Major partnerships, industry highlights, and fresh training initiatives
📸 #dBDCalendar2026
Make sure to snap your team in action to win and be entered into our monthly prize draws! Full details available here
Strengthening U.S. Ground Operations with PrimeFlight
We’re proud to announce a landmark partnership with PrimeFlight Aviation Services, who have selected dBD Communications to provide wireless duplex communication systems across all of their North American ground and cargo handling operations. This milestone marks our most significant step into the U.S. aviation market to date, underscoring the global confidence in our technology and expertise.
Following successful deployments in de-icing operations, PrimeFlight recognised the reliability and clarity of our systems in high-pressure environments. Building on that foundation, they have now extended our solutions across pushback, towing, and cargo handling activities nationwide — setting a new benchmark for consistency and safety in ramp operations.
“At PrimeFlight, safety and efficiency drive everything we do. Working with dBD Communications gives our teams access to communication systems that are proven, reliable, and built for the realities of ground handling. Extending this partnership across North America ensures consistency and confidence for our operations.”
— David LaFay, Senior Director of Operational Excellence, PrimeFlight Aviation Services
To explore the full details of this partnership, including insights from both leadership teams, you can download the complete press release here.
Duplex in Aviation: A Decade of Progress
Over the past ten years, aviation ground handling has faced increasing pressure — tighter turnaround times, busier ramps, and heightened safety expectations. Against this backdrop, wireless duplex communication has shifted from “nice-to-have” to mission-critical infrastructure, with dBD Communications supporting that change from the start.
Our Minerva platform, launched into aviation over a decade ago, has become the trusted foundation for ground-to-cockpit and crew-to-crew communication. From early deployments in pushback and de-icing, duplex has expanded to cover towing, wing walks, live training, and cargo handling — wherever clarity and consistency are essential. What began as specialist support for extreme environments, such as de-icing in harsh weather, is now the standard for everyday ramp safety. Systems like Athena and Apollo adapt to both two-person and multi-operator tasks, keeping teams in constant coordination without the risks or delays of legacy wired setups.
Ten years on, duplex is no longer just a safety accessory in aviation. It is a strategic asset, enabling ground support teams to deliver precision, efficiency, and confidence in some of the most time-critical operations. From Bangkok Flight Services in Asia, to our new nationwide partnership with PrimeFlight in North America, as the sector continues to evolve, we’re proud to keep driving progress — ensuring every ramp team has the clarity and communication they need to perform at their best.
GSE Expo International: Post-Event Roundup
Last month, the dBD Communications team returned from a busy and rewarding International GSE Expo in Las Vegas. With more than 3,000 professionals and 200 exhibitors, the Expo once again proved why it’s the world’s leading showcase for ground-support equipment and airside technology.
From live demonstrations to conversations with ground handlers, airlines, and manufacturers, the message was clear: duplex communication has become an essential tool for ramp safety and efficiency. Attendees showed strong interest in our new carry-case solutions, system upgrades, and the proven performance of our Athena and Apollo headsets in complex ground scenarios.
Our CEO, David O’Connell, spoke with visitors about aligning duplex communication with IAEMA’s innovation roadmap and the wider push for smarter ground operations. The event also gave us valuable feedback from customers and partners, helping shape how we continue refining our aviation solutions.
If you couldn’t make it to Las Vegas this year, you can still see how our aviation solutions are shaping ramp safety and efficiency. Learn more on our aviation page.
On the Road: Aviation Events This Autumn
As the year gathers pace, we’re looking forward to two standout aviation events where safety, innovation, and operational efficiency are firmly in focus. Both give us the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, share insights from our own projects, and listen to the challenges shaping ground handling today. Whether it’s highlighting best practices in GSE and ramp operations, or connecting with the global ground handling community at GHI, these events are a chance to strengthen relationships and continue driving communication standards forward.
GSE & Ramp Ops 2025: 14–16 October
Our CEO, David O’Connell, has been invited as a guest speaker at this flagship event organised by Airside International. The conference will unite more than 40 suppliers, IT specialists, and ramp innovators for a packed agenda of panels, meetings, and networking. David will contribute to the session “Ensuring Ramp Safety: Best Practices for GSE Operations and the Future of Headset Communication”, covering:
- Proven strategies that reduce risk and enhance efficiency on the ramp
- Real-world applications of duplex communication in day-to-day operations
- A forward-looking view on next-generation headset solutions
With ramp safety and operational efficiency top of the agenda, this session promises valuable insights for anyone invested in the future of GSE operations.
GHI Amsterdam 2025: 10–12 November
We’ll also be at the 26th Annual GHI Conference, the leading gathering for the aviation and ground handling community, drawing delegates from 60+ countries.
While not exhibiting this year, we’ll be on site to join discussions, attend sessions, and take part in one-to-one meetings. It’s a chance to share feedback, explore new approaches, and highlight how duplex communication technology can help solve today’s operational challenges.
If you’re attending, let us know — we’d welcome the chance to connect and talk through your current setup or future requirements.
Supporting Rail & Construction Through Seasonal Works
Seasonal works are one of the busiest times of year, and it’s important to know your comms are ready. We’re here to help you get the most from the systems you already have, while making sure your teams can keep moving safely and efficiently.
Our sector specialist, Andrew O’Connell, is on the ground with rail and construction teams — running consultations, reviewing equipment, and setting up trials in live environments. His focus is on turning day-to-day challenges into practical solutions. Alongside this support, we also offer flexible service options to fit around your work schedule:
- Training — on site or online, so your teams are confident using their kit.
- Servicing & Re-warranty — keep equipment reliable and extend its lifespan.
- Reconfiguration — adapt existing assets when one part of a system is out of use.
- Seasonal Hire — already open for peak bookings. Please note: last guaranteed shipment date is Friday 19th, with collections available until 2pm on the 24th.
With UK-based servicing, proven duplex systems alongside POC radios, and 20+ years of experience, we’ll help keep your operations reliable today and ready for tomorrow. Book a free consultation with Andrew or reserve your seasonal hire now.
📞 +44 (0) 1268 724 617 | ✉️ sales@dbdcommunications.co.uk
Your Moment: Join our #dBDCalendar2026 Competition
We’re still collecting entries for our #dBDCalendar2026 showcase. Send us a photo or short video of your team in action using dBD wireless systems — on the ramp, out on the rails, in training, or during live operations. Real-world moments, real teams, real impact.
Every entry goes into the mix for feature spots and prize draws throughout 2026. Keep it authentic, keep it safe, and feel free to include a line on where and how you use the kit. Send entries to: marketing@dbdcommunications.co.uk
Why enter?
- Every submission receives a limited-edition 2026 dBD calendar — a keepsake in its own right
- Automatic entry into our monthly luxury hamper draw throughout 2026 — always another chance to win
- Feature in our official printed calendar — your moment shared across the industry
Pro Tips for Standout Submissions
- Clearly show the dBD gear in use
- Capture your team working together — authenticity counts
- Keep it natural — real-life moments outshine staged shots
- Bonus points for creativity and unique locations
Aviation Training Now on YouTube
Recently, we’ve launched a new aviation training video series on YouTube — created to give ground teams clear, step-by-step guidance on using our duplex communication systems. The first videos focus on headset operation and functionality, helping users understand the essentials before moving on to more advanced topics such as system configuration.
This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting crews with practical resources that make day-to-day operations safer, smoother, and more efficient. Whether you’re onboarding new recruits or refreshing knowledge with experienced staff, the playlist offers simple, reliable instruction that can be revisited anytime.
While the library will continue to grow, we’re proud to start by making this content freely available to aviation teams worldwide using our solutions. Happy viewing!
Looking Ahead
From major partnerships to international forums and new training initiatives, October proves to be another important step in our aviation journey. Each milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to helping ground teams work safer, smarter, and more efficiently — whether through the reliability of our duplex systems, the accessibility of our training content, or our contribution to global industry conversations.
As we move into the final quarter of the year, we’d love to connect with you. If you’d like to book a site visit, share feedback on your current systems, or discuss your upcoming projects, our team is here to support. Together, we can make sure your communications are ready for the challenges ahead.
Call +44 (0) 1268 724 617 or email sales@dbdcommunications.co.uk
www.dbdcommunications.co.uk/news/strengthening-partnerships-driving-innovation