Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • HIAL invests in energy efficient runway lighting

Aerospace

HIAL invests in energy efficient runway lighting

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is to invest £9 million in new energy efficient Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems at Kirkwall and Inverness airports as part of an ongoing programme to maintain airport infrastructure that will also bring environmental benefits.

Image courtesy HIAL

Following open tender processes, contractors GMR Henderson have been awarded the contract to carry out the work at Kirkwall, with G&A Barnie selected for the project at Inverness (above).

The AGL system provides visual guidance to pilots during landing, taxiing and take-off in darkness and when visibility is impaired due to adverse weather conditions. The new lighting will ensure the airports can continue to operate safely and be compliant with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements. They will also reduce energy consumption by up to 80%.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

The work has been planned to ensure  there is no impact on flights with little disturbance at either airport. Set to begin in April, the work will continue through to mid-September at Inverness, with Kirkwall (above) due to complete in October.  

Graeme Bell, Inverness Airport General Manager, said: "The new lighting represents a significant modernisation of our airfield lighting system and will contribute to decreased maintenance schedules while at the same time reducing the airport's environmental footprint.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

“The energy saving qualities of the new system will contribute significantly to reducing our energy consumption at Inverness airport”.

Kirkwall Airport Manager, Kimberley Fisher, said: “Having this new LED AGL system in place not only keeps our runways safe and compliant with regulation, but also supports our work to be more energy efficient.  

“The project has been designed to create a seamless transition from the old to the new more sustainable system without impacting our services.”

Of the overall figure, £5 million is being invested in Kirkwall and £4 million in Inverness.  
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Lane Electronics showcasing solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Lane Electronics showcasing solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 January 2026

Specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics, will be presenting a range of electrical connectors and accessories at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026, being held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, 3rd–5th February 2026.

Luton Airport tops landmark year with record customer satisfaction scores

Aerospace

Luton Airport tops landmark year with record customer satisfaction scores

16 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has rounded off a standout 2025 by welcoming more than 17.5 million passengers and achieving record customer satisfaction scores, marking one of the most successful years in the airport’s history.

IAG Cargo earns Top Employer recognition

Aerospace

IAG Cargo earns Top Employer recognition

16 January 2026

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has been named a Top Employer in the UK for a third consecutive year.

Windracers ULTRA drone reaches 2,000km heavy-lift range

Aerospace

Windracers ULTRA drone reaches 2,000km heavy-lift range

15 January 2026

Windracers, the British civil and defence drone manufacturer, today announced that its dual-use heavy-lift drone Windracers ULTRA can now fly up to 2,000km in a single flight – the same distance as London to Marrakesh.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
New Aviation Ambassadors revealed

Aerospace

New Aviation Ambassadors revealed

15 January 2026

Thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation as the government confirms the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors today.

NPAS aircraft deployment up in December 2025

Aerospace Security

NPAS aircraft deployment up in December 2025

14 January 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) continues to provide vital aerial support to police forces across England and Wales, with its aircraft availability increasing in December 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB