Lighting upgrades at Perth Airport are now complete following a $36 million investment.
The airport said the upgrade of its lighting and landing system was already paying off, with flights unaffected during recent heavy fog.
The upgrade of infrastructure to a Category III (CAT III) aerodrome improves runway visibility during adverse weather like fog, and was completed on 24 May 2018, following a mandatory 12-month testing validation period.
Perth Airport Chief Corporate Services Officer, Debra Blaskett, said the upgrade is a generational change for Perth and Western Australia.
“As a 24/7 airport, the upgrade enables aircraft to land and take-off at a lower visibility, reducing operating costs to airlines who no longer need to carry extra fuel loads in case of diversions.
“This morning is an example of how important the upgraded system is to the airport – no delays in heavy fog, and we were able to facilitate a Royal Flying Doctor Service flight to land here,” Ms Blaskett said.
Over the past two years approximately 3,800 lights, 650km of cabling and 150km of electrical conduit have been installed at Perth Airport.
While Perth Airport was busy with these works, Airservices Australia has upgraded the Instrument Landing System (pilot navigation aid) to comply with CAT III requirements period.
“The upgrade makes Perth as a destination more attractive for international airlines as it essentially provides a guaranteed landing for aircraft. This is critical to support long haul flights such as the Qantas’ direct flight to London,” Ms Blaskett said.
