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
Tritax 300x250

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
ODU RT

“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
QinetiQ Powerboat Challenge 2025 tests students skills

Aerospace Events

QinetiQ Powerboat Challenge 2025 tests students skills

28 November 2025

QinetiQ’s annual Schools Powerboat Challenge has put students’ engineering and piloting skills to the test.

Kilmarnock Academy win 10th annual RTX Quadcopter Challenge 2025

Aerospace Events

Kilmarnock Academy win 10th annual RTX Quadcopter Challenge 2025

28 November 2025

A group of students from Kilmarnock Academy in Prestwick have been crowned champions of the 2025 RTX Quadcopter Challenge, held at London’s historic Honourable Artillery Company.

RAeS reveals 2025 award winners

Aerospace Events

RAeS reveals 2025 award winners

28 November 2025

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has revealed the 2025 winners of the global aerospace community’s most prestigious and long-standing awards honouring achievement and innovation.

CAA issues Black Friday holiday fraud warning

Aerospace Security

CAA issues Black Friday holiday fraud warning

28 November 2025

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is urging holidaymakers to act before booking travel deals during the Black Friday weekend and on Travel Tuesday – a growing online travel sales event, after £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
Cranfield University opens new power and propulsion labs

Aerospace

Cranfield University opens new power and propulsion labs

27 November 2025

A new test cell facility at Cranfield University’s campus, developed as part of the Cranfield Hydrogen Integration Incubator (CH2i) project, has been officially opened.

OSL Technology acquired by Terma

Aerospace Security

OSL Technology acquired by Terma

27 November 2025

Terma A/S has completed the acquisition of UK-based provider of counter drone security and safety systems, OSL Technology (OSL).

Advertisement
ODU RT