Top 5 Trends in Obstruction Lighting This Year

Asset managers need to be aware of the ongoing changes to the obstruction market, with a focus on optimising time and reducing running costs. This is due to changing requirements for maintenance schedules and updated specifications in certain locations, affecting compliance. Connected assets will play a vital role in this transformation.

Understanding these changes in the market is critical. What obstruction assets will need to be updated, and what level of reporting will you need to maintain compliance? With new assets, how will you fulfil the move to minimise your lights’ ongoing running costs this year?

The Major Trends to Expect in 2021

1. Obstruction Lighting Sales to Grow Significantly

There will be a considerable increase in this market, with a predicted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% between 2020 and 2027.

The reason for this expansion is ongoing government stimulus in projects, as well as increasing demand for capacity and environmental energy grid upgrades. Unlike other parts of aviation, obstruction lighting is mandated no matter the air traffic. As the population and its associated movement grow, so will the need for safety-critical assets to protect them.

2. Rise of Automated Monitoring Systems

The ongoing pandemic has impacted the ability to preserve obstruction systems due to isolation and social distancing measures. This had put workers at risk for the fundamental task of knowing whether your light is working. Keeping maintenance schedules using traditional means was already inefficient due to the high cost to check every light, and it is now unsafe.

A connected system with remote monitoring enables centralised maintenance, allowing the obstruction asset manager to know what is working. The system can automatically alert any faults, and maintenance crews can mitigate risk proactively based on the information provided.

Some systems also allow for two-way control of fixtures, giving operators more possibilities to use temporary or switchable from a single point.

3. Overhead Optimisation

Having ongoing maintenance cycles in a connected system will also reduce your outgoings. Owning a monitored system means less outlay on maintenance crews needed to fix any issues that may arise and make your system non-compliant.

The lighting industry is moving to this year turn-key kits. They will be available to make it easier to install and commission a lighting system. This means fewer contractors are needed to maintain your system to its intended specification.

4. Continued Focus on Regulation

Each country has its own rules and requirements, and it is becoming more demanding to meet them. Next-generation lights will need additional features, such as IR and enhanced alarm monitoring, to meet new compliance rules.

This year, there will be an increase in the adoption of stricter regulation. This means lighting manufacturers will have to update their technology, and end-users will need to upgrade their fixtures depending on their location.

The market has already seen the shift in the USA, where the new FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-43J has come into effect.

5. Renewable Lighting Growth and Focus

Usage of alternative power sources will only increase as businesses push to be greener. Fortunately, the technology is already available in the market, with solar fixtures and power systems available.

Now that you can remotely monitor this technology, the traditional barrier of not knowing if the technology will work is removed. Alternative sources will be used with confidence, giving you alerts if something isn’t right.

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.

https://www.reportlinker.com/p05961471/Global-Obstruction-Lighting-Industry.html?utm_source=GNW

https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5345-43