Shanghai Hongqiao gets upgrade in new safety light system

The nation's first runway status light system was put into trial operation on Sunday at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, according to the Shanghai Airport Authority.

The system, similar to smart traffic lights on the runway, can automatically transmit information to pilots and vehicle drivers by turning on and off the lights. With the traffic data of the flying area and terminal area, the system can accurately tell the runway occupancy condition and assist the air traffic control tower in guiding aircraft actions.

The application of the runway status light system is expected to reduce runway intrusions by 70 percent, and the system will work in tandem with conventional air control safety technologies to ensure improved airport operation safety, said the Shanghai Airport Authority.

The runway status light system at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport consists of 22 sets of runway entry lights and four sets of take-off waiting lights. Compliant with Chinese civil aviation operation requirements and industry standards, the system fills the gap in the domestic intelligent control system with navigation lights.

Comprehensive operation evaluation and continuous optimization will be conducted throughout the trial operation period, in a bid to prepare for formal operation in the future, as well as offer replicable experience for the construction, operation, maintenance and emergency guidance of the civil aviation runway status light system, according to the Hongqiao International Airport and CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) East China Regional Administration.