Auckland Airport has completed a major upgrade of its 3.6-kilometer runway, replacing halogen lamps with around 600 cutting-edge LED lights. The project, conducted during early-morning maintenance windows, represents a significant step forward in improving efficiency, sustainability, and safety for aircraft operations. The new LED system, which includes in-ground centerline, touchdown zone, threshold, edge, and end lights, not only enhances visibility for take-offs and landings but also offers long-term reliability. Auckland Airport Chief Infrastructure Officer Susana Fueyo Suarez described the project as a technical and logistical triumph.
“Completing this upgrade is a real milestone in our airfield lighting program,” said Fueyo Suarez. “The physical work required precision and could only be done in the early hours of Saturday and Monday mornings, during brief runway closures. It’s a credit to the engineering teams that the new lights are now fully operational and ready to shine for decades.” The LED lights come with advanced digital monitoring systems, allowing for individual tracking of performance and maintenance. Each fitting is regularly inspected, cleaned, and tested to ensure optimal brightness and durability. The robust maintenance protocol includes using a compressed air and baking soda mixture to clean lenses of rubber build-up from aircraft tires.
“From the moment an LED light is installed, its performance and maintenance history are digitally recorded. This ensures the airfield operates efficiently and safely at all times,” added Fueyo Suarez.
The LED lights are part of a broader, decade-long initiative to replace all halogen lights across Auckland Airport’s airfield, including taxiways, aprons, and aircraft stands. The transition underscores Auckland Airport’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, delivering improved energy efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards for aircraft movements. This upgrade is expected to enhance the experience for travellers and airline partners, showcasing Auckland Airport’s dedication to innovation and reliability in airfield operations.
