AUH unveils state-of-the-art guidance system

Abu Dhabi Airports has launched a cutting edge guidance system with the latest in lighting technology to be used at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

Airfield guidance and control systems 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 Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), the first-of-its-kind to be used in the Middle East, enables automatic planning and guidance under all weather conditions to aid air traffic control and pilots.

The system will reduce plane taxi timings as well as reduce forced diversions due to bad weather, benefiting passengers and saving the associated costs for airlines.

It will boost the airport’s capacity whilst reducing power consumption and ensure minimal maintenance downtime. The system is also 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 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," said Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.