ASSA ABLOY solutions secure Helsinki Airport

Controlling access in and around Helsinki Airport is a complex task, reports ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.

Around 15,000 people work there and daily pre-pandemic passenger numbers hovered around 60,000 to 70,000. Airport managers chose electronic and electromechanical locks, keyless padlocks and readers to secure the site and improve access management.

Safety for staff of operator Finavia and the airport’s customers is paramount. For obvious reasons, only authorised people should have access to many areas. The safe management of movement – by passengers, staff and contractors – is critical to Finavia’s mission to deliver an efficient service in Helsinki.

To enhance user convenience, it sought new access solutions to help facilitate the adoption of keyless security at the airport. Finavia also required solutions which provided compatibility: They secure all types of opening, from doors and cabinets to fences and cargo.

Devices had to integrate seamlessly with its Lenel access control system.

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

“Easily programmed with necessary access rights”

Working with ASSA ABLOY gave Finavia the broadest possible choice of solutions to meet complex security needs.

With Aperio H100 battery-powered handles, many types of airport door are now connected to the access control system. These Aperio devices with inbuilt RFID capability were easy to install – without the cabling that traditional devices required.

“Now we see in real time who will open the lock and when and we can modify and grant access rights -remotely,” added Mäkinen.

Authorised 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 added.

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

Multiple connectable ASSA ABLOY solutions are deployed alongside wireless Aperio and CLIQ Protec² CLIQ electromechanical door devices.

Keyless, mobile-operated ABLOY padlocks secure fencing and cargo. An antimicrobial coating on ABLOY door automation buttons helps to prevent germ spread and reassures staff.

To watch a video about this exciting project, click here.