PRESS RELEASE. Abu Dhabi Airports revealed its Advanced Airfield Lighting and Guidance System at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Read the press release and watch the video to follow the the successful planning, development and completion of the A-SMGCS Level 4 Follow the Greens solution which embodies the strong partnership between ADB SAFEGATE and Abu Dhabi Airports.

The new system is the first and most progressive of its kind in the Middle East and the latest example of the aviation company’s drive to use the latest technology to offer its passengers enhanced safety, efficiency and sustainability to deliver a seamless travel journey.

However, this new technology is not only for the benefit of passengers. Airfield guidance and control systems are used to illuminate runways at night or in low visibility conditions, like fog, to ensure pilots can easily identify the runway, take off and touchdown areas, as well as any potential obstructions on the airfield.

The new A-SMGCS Level 4 system, designed by industry-leading airport solution provider ADB SAFEGATE, enables conflict resolution and automatic planning and guidance under all weather conditions, which also improves situational awareness for tower control employees as well as pilots.

*** GENERAL CAPTION ***
Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, inaugurated the region’s first and most advanced airfield lighting and guidance system in the presence of key aviation stakeholders. The system, developed in partnership with ADB SAFEGATE, will upscale airport capacity while enhancing safety and sustainability.
—

The new system will reduce plane taxi timings as well as reduce forced diversions due to bad weather, benefiting passengers and mitigating associated cost for airlines. It further upscales the airport’s capacity whilst reducing power consumption and ensures minimal maintenance downtime. The system is equipped with ‘Follow the Greens’ technology which enables intelligent and sustainable routing and guidance by automatically illuminating only the lights needed to guide a specific aircraft to its designated gate.

“Our drive to excel and be progressive is a constant that mirrors the drive and ambition of our emirate and the aviation sector. Our goal is to ensure that all of our airports offer state-of-the art technology to power efficiency, growth and increase our contributions to the emirate’s economy,” commented H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports.

“Abu Dhabi International Airport is the gateway to Abu Dhabi. We take that responsibility seriously and, as a result, we deploy leading edge systems that improve operational resilience, customer convenience and drive traffic growth while limiting our impact on the environment. This system does it all and we are thrilled to launch it today with our valued partners,” added Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.

Prior to installing the system Abu Dhabi airports worked on a five-phased project approach which included a comprehensive audit, design and upgrade of the airfield ground lighting and infrastructure, the control and monitoring system, tower systems and integration to automate ground movement.

“We are grateful to Abu Dhabi Airports for the opportunity to bring our latest technologies to this prestigious project serving the main airport for the capital of the UAE. We look forward to continuing to support Abu Dhabi Airports under our long-term maintenance contract, meeting their high standards and embracing their culture of quality, efficiency and sustainability,” said Laurent Dubois, CEO, ADB SAFEGATE.

Abu Dhabi Airports is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a diverse portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy. It was established in March 2006 to spearhead the development of the Emirate’s aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

ADB SAFEGATE provides integrated solutions that raise efficiency, improve safety, boost environmental sustainability and reduce operational costs for airports, airlines and ANSPs. The company works with airports and airlines to solve operational bottlenecks, helping them navigate today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow. Solutions encompass airfield lighting, power and control systems, smart airport and tower software solutions, intelligent docking automation and aftermarket services. With more than 1,200 employees, ADB SAFEGATE serves more than 2,500 airports in more than 175 countries, from the busiest and largest like Atlanta, Beijing, Dubai, Heathrow, Charles De Gaulle, Frankfurt, Istanbul, New Delhi and Changi to fast-growing airports across Asia and Africa.