What are the 5 Trends in Airfield Lighting This Year?

By:Avlite Systems | February 04, 2021

By Wade Evans and Mason Sugars

Wade Evans is the Product, Project and Solutions Manager for Aviation and Digital.

Mason Sugars is the Product Marketing Coordinator for Aviation.

The previous year was very challenging for the aviation sector due to a downturn in air travel caused by the global pandemic. Now, airfields and airports worldwide are looking to capitalise on breaks in their regular service by embracing the latest industry advancements.

These organisations are now asking questions, such as:

What will the use of airports be in the new world of digital meetings and remote work?
What are the consequences of changes to logistics and freight utilisation over traditional commercial passenger travel?
What assets will airfields need to manage remotely?
How will asset owners connect to their assets?
How can you ensure safety at all times?

These points will need to be addressed by airport, maintenance and safety managers in conjunction with industry consultants.

The Major Trends to Expect in 2021

1. Increase in Airfield Lighting Sales

The market will continue to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 3% from 2021 to 2025. This figure is notwithstanding a decrease of almost 62% in-flight traffic due to COVID-19.

2. Updated Assets and Maintenance Works

Breaks in regular service at airports will allow for new and existing works to be scheduled. Auckland Airport demonstrated this was the optimum time to complete these improvements due to the 95% reduction in aircraft movements. This will include the upgrade of assets such as runway lights.

Governments are aiding these efforts as they attempt to stimulate their economies by propping up this sector. For example, the Australian government has launched the Future of Australia’s Aviation Sector initiative to ensure aviation companies remain running.

3. Meeting Sustainability Objectives

Usage of renewable and alternative power sources will only increase as airports – and their boards – push to be greener. These initiatives will also reduce ongoing airport operation costs.

Sydney International Airport has a three-pillared strategy to work towards a sustainable airport, with “airfield space and airfield efficiency… [a] flagship initiative”. This will drive technological change which will lead to sustainable outcomes.

4. Increase in Supply Chain and Freight Demands

The world had become reliant on-air travel for survival, including providing goods, services or vital medivac assistance. There is still a high demand for air freight, with massive delays causing spikes in shipping prices. Runways need to be fully operational to catch up with the backlog of shipping.

5. Connected Fixtures Producing Data

A significant factor in upgrading runways will be adding data-rich assets with enhanced feature sets for airfield operations analysis.

Connected fixtures are the answer. They allow better management and knowledge on safety-critical assets with less risk exposure for workers. Connected fixtures allow remote connection to smaller airfields where required, enabling asset owners to manage lighting fixtures remotely. Read Star2M’s blog, Asset monitoring and control in a contactless world for more detail on how connectivity can be utilised in 2021.

Understanding these trends is key to ensuring airfield success and viability in a new global environment. Airfields and airports need to use decreased traffic as a chance to renew. If they don’t, they will be left behind.