London Gatwick enhances building management with Sontay’s SORA wireless sensing solution

London Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport, has successfully implemented Sontay’s cutting-edge SORA wireless sensing solution to revolutionise its Building Management System (BMS). The project is a prime example of how innovation, sustainability, and efficiency can align in high-traffic, mission-critical environments.

Faced with the challenge of modernising its BEMS infrastructure while maintaining full operational functionality, London Gatwick sought a reliable and non-intrusive solution to monitor key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels. With stringent requirements around zero operational downtime, minimal cabling, and quick installation, the airport selected Sontay’s SORA LoRaWAN wireless range—proven technology that delivers both performance and ease of deployment.

The initial phase focused on the check-in zones and duty-free areas, where maintaining optimal ambient conditions is crucial for both passengers and staff. The deployment included:

• Four SORA LoRaWAN hubs to manage the sensor network
• 45 wireless temperature, humidity, and CO₂ sensors
• Six wireless clamp-on temperature sensors
• Two aerial extensions

The SORA solution stood out for its robust wireless capabilities, with LoRaWAN offering an extended range of over 10km in plain sight. The solution enabled a rapid and cable-free installation, allowing operations to continue without any disruption or additional costs.

London Gatwick’s facilities team, already familiar with Sontay through Sontay Academy (BCIA) training courses, were impressed by the system’s intuitive design and minimal maintenance requirements. In a scheduled evaluation six months post-installation, battery levels on the wireless sensors remained at 100%, confirming the solution’s reliability and long-lasting performance.

“Our SORA sensors are not only improving passenger comfort and staff conditions but also supporting energy efficiency,” said Stacey Lucas, Commercial & Marketing Director at Sontay. “By providing live readings to the BMS, the system enables plant equipment to operate only when needed, saving energy and cost.”

Following the success of the initial rollout, the airport is expanding its SORA deployment. New clamp-on sensors are being used to monitor chilled water flow in legacy air handling units (AHUs)—a retrofit made simple through SORA’s wireless design. Plans are also underway to install hubs in seven plant rooms in the South Terminal and five in the North Terminal, ensuring site-wide coverage and smarter control across the facility.

London Gatwick is also involving its apprentices in the installation process, providing valuable hands-on experience in all aspects of BMS technologies and championing diversity within the building controls industry. During site visits, Sontay representatives were given a tour of the airport’s STEM centre, which welcomes school children to explore airport operations in a fun and educational environment. All with the aim of encouraging young people to see STEM occupations as a career of choice and ensure the industry has the skills needed for the future.

Looking to the future, Gatwick has set ambitious goals to upscale all system infrastructure around the facility and incorporate latest technologies. Enhancing the BMS with wireless solutions like SORA is a pivotal part of that journey, ensuring efficiency at every step.