HIAL has completed an £800,000 upgrade to airfield ground lighting (AGL) at Benbecula Airport.

The project, which started in September 2003, involved the replacement of AGL on the airport’s main runway, taxiway and apron, including the provision of new control equipment. Modifications to the control tower and generator house were also carried out plus the installation of a new AGL control panel and new generator.

A further 170 metres of runway is now useable at the airport as a result of extending the runway lighting and a new navigation aid has also been installed.

The principal contractor for the project was ATG Airports Ltd and Babtie Group provided consultancy services.

Michael Maclean, Benbecula Airport Manager, said: “We worked closely with the consultant and contractor on this project and airport operations were uninterrupted during the work period.

“The lighting at Benbecula was nearing the end of its operational lifespan and has been replaced as part of our ongoing maintenance and refurbishment programme.”

John Hay, Regional Manager West, added: “The replacement of the AGL provided us with the opportunity to extend the useable runway length at Benbecula and this will offer better operational performance for aircraft using the airport.”

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