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Sharp NEC Display Solutions client installation – Transportation / Retail

KEF Airport

Highly energy-efficient dvLED signage

New Flip-Chip dvLED signage in the arrivals hall enhances the passenger experience, supports sustainability goals, and provides valuable advertising revenue at Keflavík International Airport in Iceland.

Keflavík Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s main international gateway and an important transatlantic transfer hub. Despite the country’s population of less than 400,000, KEF serves more than 8 million passengers annually, a figure that continues to grow post-pandemic.

The airport’s long-term infrastructure strategy outlines a 25-year development plan focused on capacity, efficiency, and sustainability. A key milestone is the East Wing expansion, which increases terminal space by 30% and includes a redesigned baggage hall. This high-dwell area presented an opportunity to replace legacy LCD signage with a more scalable, energyefficient solution capable of supporting KEF’s operational, commercial, and environmental targets.

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The Challenge

Isavia, the airport’s operator, needed a digital signage solution that would meet a range of requirements including improved energy efficiency, safety compliance, long-term reliability, and commercial viability. The system had to comply with airport-specific regulations on fire safety and electromagnetic interference, support high-resolution media playback, and reduce overall power consumption. Minimising downtime and maintaining baggage hall operations during installation were also essential.

There was a clear demand for larger and higher-impact advertising displays from stakeholders. The existing NEC LCD screens had operated reliably for over a decade, a remarkable achievement, but were no longer adequate for current expectations. A new solution was required that would provide a technical upgrade while ensuring seamless integration into airport systems.

According to Bjarni Sigurðsson, Director / End-User Service at Isavia:

“With growing demand from our customers for larger, higher impact advertising surfaces, it was clear we needed a next generation display solution that could meet both commercial and operational expectations. From the outset, our key criteria included low energy consumption, fire safety compliance, minimal electromagnetic interference, and long product lifespan, aligned with our sustainability goals.”

The Solution

Isavia selected Sharp Flip-Chip dvLED technology, delivered in collaboration with Icelandic AV integrator Ofar. The solution consists of 18 dvLED displays installed in the baggage hall. Sixteen 200-inch screens were mounted back-to-back above the four baggage belts, while two larger displays were integrated into the architectural wall panelling. The system uses fine-pitch LED-FE3 modules (1.5mm and 1.9mm pixel pitch) to provide seamless, high contrast image output optimised for wide viewing angles. The

The dvLED displays are supported by a custom engineered substructure and integrated with fibreoptic cabling to a central BrightSign XC Series media controller located approximately 100 metres away. All displays operate in synchronisation, enabling simultaneous playback of campaigns across all units. The displays are managed through NaviSet Administrator Server Edition, providing full remote monitoring and control across the network.

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The third generation LED-FE Series which uses Flip-Chip SMD technology, consumes 60% less power compared to standard SMD without compromising brightness or performance, making a significant energy saving across the 18 extra large format displays. To further support energy saving objectives, the Sharp LED-RPS-CL-R Remote Power Switch is used to power down the displays during low footfall periods. This eliminates standby consumption and manages inrush current.

Installation was completed in stages over two weeks, with only one baggage belt taken offline at a time. The project was delivered on schedule and without operational disruption. According to Knútur Rúnarsson, Audio & Video Solutions Team Leader at Ofar:

“This project has been a standout success from start to finish, and we’re proud of the seamless collaboration between Ofar, Sharp, and Isavia. This installation is more than just a technical achievement, it’s a demonstration of how innovation and reliability can support long-term infrastructure goals.”

The Result

The updated digital signage network supports Isavia’s strategic objectives, enhancing the airport’s visual communication capabilities while aligning with Iceland’s broader sustainability targets. The Flip-Chip dvLED technology delivers consistent image quality with deep contrast and accurate colour reproduction, even under varying ambient light and viewing conditions. The flame-resistant, all-metal cabinet design meets safety standards for public environments, eliminating the need for additional sprinkler systems or protective infrastructure. Low electromagnetic emissions ensure there is no interference with critical airport operations.

Commercially, the installation has delivered immediate results. All advertising space was sold out at launch, and the return on investment is expected ahead of projections. Campaigns are designed specifically for the custom display formats and run simultaneously across all displays, maximising visibility and impact with ads primarily targeting arriving tourists promoting services such as car rental, hotels, and excursions.

Isavia’s long-standing relationship with Sharp and Ofar was a key factor in the successful delivery of the project. A visit to the Sharp LED Solutions Centre in Germany prior to procurement provided further assurance on product capabilities and longterm support.

Since completion, the project has attracted interest from other major European airports. Three additional installations of Sharp Flip-Chip dvLED have already been confirmed, including one at Copenhagen Kastrup.

Bjarni Sigurðsson said: “The very pleasing result is a high-impact digital signage network that enhances the passenger experience and supports our commercial objectives, without compromising on safety or efficiency, The project was delivered on schedule, and the installation was carried out seamlessly by Ofar and Sharp, in close coordination with our flight operations team to ensure continuous baggage belt availability which was an impressive achievement.”

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