News Archives - Airfield Lighting Systems

We’re delighted to welcome our brand new truck and van to the fleet!

Excited to share some big news!

We’re delighted to welcome our brand new truck and van to the fleet!

These powerful new additions perfectly reflect our strapline: “Big enough to cope, small enough to care.”

With greater capacity and reliability, we can now:

Respond even faster to your enquiries
Provide quicker on-site support when you need us
Deliver more efficient and flexible solutions
Maintain the high level of personal care and attention you’ve come to expect

No matter the size of the job, we’re better equipped than ever to handle it — while still caring deeply about every customer.

A big thank you to our team for bringing these vehicles on board, and to all our customers for your continued trust. We’re ready to serve you better than ever!

Pathfinder ILCMS

Airfield Lighting Systems Launches Pathfinder ILCMS: Revolutionary Individual Lamp Control for Airfields

Airfield Lighting Systems (ALS), a leader in airfield ground lighting solutions, has introduced the Pathfinder ILCMS, an advanced Individual Lamp Control and Monitoring System designed to transform airport operations worldwide.

The system uses innovative power line carrier (PLC) communication over existing AGL series circuit cables, eliminating the need for additional cabling, trenching, or disruptive airfield works. This approach significantly reduces installation costs and minimizes operational downtime while delivering precise individual control and real-time monitoring for up to 300 lights per circuit.

Key highlights of the Pathfinder ILCMS include:

Compact, rugged BMC remote units with IP68 protection and continuous operation up to +85°C
Full hardware and software redundancy with seamless automatic failover
Support for series circuit lengths up to 20 km and 128 control groups per circuit
Proven scalability, with over 17,000 remote units deployed in a single project
Full compatibility with A-SMGCS in CAT I, II, and III conditions

The system integrates seamlessly with existing constant current regulators and meets stringent international standards, including ICAO, FAA, EASA, and NATO approvals.

Pathfinder sets a new standard for reliability, simplicity, and total cost of ownership. Its low-power, high-temperature resilient design and massive deployment track record make it ideal for both new installations and upgrades at busy international airports.

With enhanced safety, reduced maintenance needs, and future-proof architecture, the Pathfinder ILCMS strengthens operational efficiency while supporting critical ground movement safety. Airports seeking modern, cost-effective lighting management solutions can now benefit from this cutting-edge technology.

Aero Lighting Heliport Range

We are thrilled to announce that IAVNA has been appointed as the Exclusive distributor for AeroLighting SA https://aerolighting.swiss, a leading Swiss manufacturer of advanced aviation lighting solutions.

With over 20 years of specialized expertise, AeroLighting designs and produces high-performance LED lighting systems for heliports, airfields, obstruction marking, and perimeter applications. Their innovative product range—including the renowned HeliX Series (universal inset lights with NVG/IR compatibility), low-profile TDx helipad lights compliant with ICAO and CAP437 standards, and the OBS X obstruction lights featuring integrated photosensors and alarm relays—delivers unmatched reliability, durability, and safety in demanding environments.

Manufactured in Switzerland to the highest international standards (ICAO, FAA, and more), AeroLighting’s solutions are trusted at over 2,500 installations worldwide, supporting hospitals, military bases, offshore platforms, police helicopter operations, and beyond. Their commitment to quality, competitive pricing, and continuous innovation—driven by real-world feedback from pilots, installers, and partners—makes them a pioneer in heliport and aviation safety lighting.

As their exclusive distributor, we now offer direct access to this premium Swiss-engineered portfolio, backed by expert technical support, project consultation, and after-sales service. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge, compliant lighting solutions tailored to your aviation needs.

Contact us today to explore how AeroLighting products can enhance your next heliport, airfield, or obstruction lighting project!

CDU Crossing Detection Unit

Runway incursions remain one of the most serious risks in airport surface movement – especially during low visibility procedures (LVP) and high-traffic operations.

The CDU Crossing Detection Unit from Airfield Lighting Systems delivers a modern, reliable, and cost-effective solution for runway incursion prevention. This advanced sensor system detects aircraft and vehicles crossing predefined safety lines at taxiways and runway entrances using embedded inductive loops, instantly triggering automatic stop-bar light activation/deactivation for immediate protection.

Real-time monitoring of stop-bar lamp status, combined with runway incursion alarms compatible with A-SMGCS highest protection levels, enhances safety during low visibility procedures (LVP) and high-traffic operations. Featuring ultra-low power consumption (15W), IP67 protection, redundant architecture, interference-immune fiber optic communication, and minimal maintenance, the CDU boosts airport capacity, reduces costs, and safeguards lives at critical holding points—fully compliant with the latest international standards.

Repair, Refurbish, Renew Service

Airfield Lighting Systems presents its Repair, Refurbish, Renew service — a smart, sustainable alternative to full replacement of airfield ground lighting (AGL) equipment. We specialize in restoring runway edge, threshold, centreline, taxiway inset, elevated lights, approach systems, and signage to like-new performance. Our brand-neutral expertise covers halogen, LED, hybrid, and legacy fixtures from manufacturers including ADB SAFEGATE, OCEM, Eaton Crouse-Hinds, and Honeywell/Thorn.

The process includes full disassembly, corrosion treatment, replacement of seals, glands and connectors, thorough optical cleaning, prism realignment, and optional upgrades such as Sapphire coating or complete LED conversion. Every unit is tested electrically and photometrically using advanced MALMS equipment to meet ICAO Annex 14 and FAA AC150/5345 standards, with full traceability and a Refurbishment Certificate provided.

Refurbishment delivers major cost savings over new purchases, reduces embedded carbon by 60–80%, cuts landfill waste, and supports ESG commitments, ICAO environmental goals, and UN Sustainable Development objectives. With optional 24-month warranties, predictive maintenance, global logistics, loan stock to minimize downtime, and fast-track emergency options, we extend asset life by 5–10+ years while ensuring maximum safety and reliability.

Contact us today to discover how Repair, Refurbish, Renew can optimize your airfield lighting infrastructure economically and sustainably

ALDIS Aviation Signal Gun

The Aviation Signal Light Gun (ALDIS) from ALS is a modern, high-performance LED-based signaling device engineered for air traffic control and ground operations at airports worldwide. Fully compliant with ICAO Annex 14 Volume 1standards, this reliable tool enables clear visual communication with aircraft, especially in scenarios where radio contact is unavailable or unreliable.

Featuring powerful LEDs that directly emit red, white, and green signals—no filters required—the ALDIS delivers exceptional visibility exceeding 4.1 miles (6.6 km) even in bright daylight conditions, ensuring pilots receive unmistakable instructions for landing, takeoff, or holding patterns.

Designed for demanding airport environments, the ALDIS offers user-friendly operation with intuitive switches for quick color selection and a 2-position toggle for continuous illumination or Morse code signaling. Its integrated sighting scope enhances aiming precision, while the durable construction provides an IP34 protection rating and reliable performance across extreme temperatures from -30°C to +55°C.

Protect Your Airfield from Lightning Strikes

Lightning can pose serious risks to airfield infrastructure – from runway and taxiway lighting, to navigation aids, control towers, and even aircraft on the ground. A single strike can cause equipment damage, operational disruption, and safety hazards.

At IAVNA, we provide specialist lightning protection solutions for airports and airfields:

Tailored risk assessments and bespoke system design
Provision of air terminals, down conductors, and earthing systems
Surge protection for CCRs, lighting, and navigational aids
Ongoing inspection, testing, and certification to ensure compliance with BS EN62305 and aviation standards.

Protecting your infrastructure isn’t just about safety – it’s about business continuity, regulatory compliance, and long-term cost savings.
Keep your airfield safe and fully operational, whatever the weather.

SmartBolts

SmartBolts – a Visual Indication System that turns the top head of a bolt from red to black as you tighten it.

Lighting fixtures in runways, taxiways, and other in-pavement locations are critical to the safe operation of planes and machinery at airports.

If these fixtures become loose they can create dangerous safety conditions while planes are in-flight, landing, or taxiing on the runway.

However, maintenance of these fixtures is difficult due to their location in high-traffic areas. SmartBolt DTI provides visual feedback that these light fixtures are properly secured and immediately detects if the joint assembly has been compromised – leading to more efficient maintenance and a safer environment.

They do not need to be replaced with every inspection, saving you money and time. You won’t have to use the torque wrench on every fitting to loosen it and re-tighten it to 25nm, you can just look at the bolts instead, safe in the knowledge that if the colour is black the bolt is tight and no action is required at all.

The unique visual Indication System provides a fast and easy indication of how tense the bolt is by changing colour as it gets tighter. Starting at Red (= 25%), to 50% then 75% and finally Black when the bolt is at 100%

ALS AGL Airfield Maintenance Kit

Introducing the new ALS AGL Airfield Maintenance Kit

We’re excited to launch our latest addition to the ALS range — the AGL Airfield Maintenance Kit, designed for reliability and convenience on the airfield.

Each kit includes our much-loved HV Probe and Clamp Meter, securely housed in a rugged aviation yellow Pelicase to protect your equipment in the harshest of airfield environments.

Ultra Slim Signs

ALS’s new LED Ultra Slim Signs have been specifically designed for global airfield applications.

At just 44mm width and made from a strong aluminium alloy, they are both tough and lightweight making them easier and faster to install. They can also withstand wind speeds of 480 km/h. The power supply is mounted on the back for speedy access and maintenance.

Solid and robust body structure can withstand wind speeds of up to 480km/h.
UV resistant front panel to prevent fading.
High impact resistance and durability in all weather conditions.
Crisp clear front legend to improve visibility at longer distances.
High performance LED lighting provides uniform light distribution over all face.
No Glare.
Low energy consumption (LED strip on the top is serviceable and has a high heat sink surround).
Thermal design of the body manages heat dissipation and prolongs the life span of the LED light source.
Compatible with all types of traditional thyristor and new IGBT CCRs, outputting constant current between 2.8 and 6.6A.

Polaris Portable Light Fittings Now Available in RGBW

NEW – The popular and versatile Polaris Portable LED lighting systems for Airports (Battery or Solar Powered Options) is now available for the first time as an RGBW (Red, Blue, Green, White) LED option all in one. It means the fitting is suitable for use in even more applications on the Airfield or Heliport.

15 hours maximum recharge time
Simple drop-in charging system
Low voltage battery protection
Control options: manual, photocell or radio
Flashing or steady signal
Charge level indication
RGBW LED selectable colours (Red, Blue, Green, White)
No lamp changing for the entire lifetime of the light unit
Tested for wind / jet blast up to 322 Km/h
Extended battery life

New partnership with GRP Illuminacion to promote their unique Earth Fault Detection System.

IAVNA are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with GRP Illuminacion to promote their unique Earth Fault Detection System to the UK Airfield market.

Introducing the Earth Fault Detection System, the latest addition to our line of innovative solutions.

This critical system is designed to quickly pinpoint any faults that occur between the live conductors and earth in AGL systems, reducing maintenance costs and associated issues.EFDS uses advanced technology to continuously monitor the current flow and detect any imbalances between the live conductors and earth conductor. If any faults are detected, the system will trip the circuit, isolating the fault and preventing further damage or injury.

With our Earth Fault Detection System, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your AGL systems while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

LED Aircraft Stand Manoeuvering Guidance Lights (Apron)

The ALS LED Inset Aircraft Stand Manoeuvring Lights are a new addition to our extensive LED range.

They’re suitable for apron applications and utilise the latest super bright LED technology available in the field.

The range is comprehensive and includes SBS/IN-R Unidirectional Red, TE/IN-Y Omnidirectional yellow and TE/IN-R Omnidirectional Red models.

LED provide long life and low maintenance operation, very low power consumption and reduced running costs compared to halogen (a saving of typically 80%).

They’re sturdy and compact with a low protrusion of less than 6.3 mm above ground level but do not compromise safety; in fact, the standard light comes equipped with self learning fail open technology for extra protection.

Accessories

8″ or 12″ base assemblies (bottom/side entry)
Adaptor ring 12″ to allow 8″ fitting installation
Lifting tool
SmartBolts

HV Probe & Proving Units

Features

Ergonomic design
Portable and robust
Probes are passive in operation, no power source required
Proving unit to verify probes before and after tests
Proving unit supplied with a standard 9v battery (PP9)

Applications

Prove circuits dead
AGL circuits
Fixed ground power units

Specifications

55 – 5000 VAC
75 – 7500 VDC

AGL Advancement Group in Saudi Arabia

AGL is delighted to annouce its participation in the prestigous Saudi Airport Show in November.

The event is held in the Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh between Nov 7 and 8th 2022 and the company is promising some exciting new products to be demonstrated for the first time to mark the occasion.

Largest stock holding of original OSRAM Airfield lamps in the UK

IAVNA has been an approved supplier of OSRAM lamps to the Airfield market in the UK for over 40 years.

Holding a large quantity of precision manufactured, high performance, quality original lamps in our modern heated warehouse facility in Wickford, allows us to react with speed and provide you with lamps you know are manufactured and stored to the highest standards.

The company holds the ISO 9001 quality standard which confirms the administration processes, internal auditing and traceability of all products is approved and this is re-tested annually.

The Norfolk Mighty Hike

Our fearless production manager Dave Johnson and his wife have just completed The Norfolk Mighty Hike for Macmillan Cancer Research.

Raising over £500 in the process they completed the 14 mile hike in fantastic weather and were still talking to each other at the end!

Congratulations to Dave and Carla for their terrific effort and well done from all at ALS.

See the quality for yourself!

Ever wonder what is inside the products you buy and specify? We go the extra mile to make sure our quality standards are very high. This includes X-rays of the products to make sure after production everything is perfect and as it should be. Particularly with transformers that are potted, you simply can’t see if everything is ok. Don’t worry ALS ones are perfect as you can see below and will last a long, long time.

British-Irish Airports Expo Show London June 22-23 2022

AGL Advancement group is delighted to be exhibiting at the British-Irish Airports Expo Show in June.

Situated at Excel London Center this year’s Airport Show is set to further innovate the global airports industry.

A full program of conference events and exhibitors are participating.

New innovations expected to make an impact in the industry
Rising technologies under research and development
Conference talks with leaders and experts
Networking and connection with key players.

Please come and visit us on Stand D5 to find out more about the latest products for 2022 and to see the major new product that will be unveiled at the show.

Airport Show Dubai May 17-19 2022

AGL Advancement group is delighted to be exhibiting at the Dubai Airport Show in May.

Situated in the Dubai World Trade Center this year’s Airport Show is set to further innovate the global airports industry.

A full program of conference events and exhibitors are participating.

New innovations expected to make an impact in the industry
Rising technologies under research and development
Conference talks with leaders and experts
Networking and connection with key players.

Please come and visit us on Stand 2010 to find out more about the latest products for 2022 and to see the major new product that will be unveiled at the show.

Wingframe Sign Configurator

ALS have been using the industry leading Wingframe software for many years to provide you with precision engineered and perfectly sized signs.

You can now have direct access to the software yourself to design and specify your own custom made signs.

All the cabinets and sign facias are available from a global catalogue and the software automatically checks each design to ensure ICAO or ESAS compliance. If it is approved you can then send this to ALS for a quotation and delivery estimate.

Direct access to the site is via our website main menu / Services / Design / Wingframe or this link here

Wingframe comes with collaboration tools for easy communication with your client/supplier. Create your quote using the material generated by Wingframe.

When the order is approved simply download the print files and send them to ALS for production. Wingframe provides standards compliant vector files for print, as well as grid files with measurements for verification.

A wide variety of choices are available covering ICAO signs, mandatory instructions signs, No entry, Gate, Stand identification VOR checkpoint for example.

All are fully customizable with content, legend height and panel size.

Give us a call today when you next need a sign a receive an impressive Wingframe quotation back that you can forward to your clients.

Expanded Heliport Range

ALS has now expanded its existing range of LED heliport lighting with three new families of LED products to cater for every new project requirement.

By adding Heliport Circle Markers (H & TD/PM), Flat and Inset fittings to the range the company has a precision-engineered, low energy solution for all applications on Heliports and Helidecks.

New datasheets are available on the website. If you would like any further information at all or a free lighting design undertaken please give us a call, we would be happy to help you.

H Circle TD/PM Lights

TD/PM Circle-H offshore Helideck landing system for Helicopters.

Manufactured in tough LED panels, CAP437 approved lights in Circle and “H” shapes.

Offshore Heliports employ a wide range of offshore landing facilities, including touchdown lighting system, positioning and circle markings

Flat lights

The ALS 9W Flat LED lights are designed specifically for Heliports, Helipads and Offshore Platforms.

This Flat range is particularly useful for installation on the ground surface where there is no access or option for buried cable trenches. This makes for a fast and speedy installation

Inset Fittings

The ALS 9W Inset Heliport lighting fixtures are using a common body and power converter.

They are used for FAT, TLOF and Taxiway Edge installations.

There is a comprehensive range of five models to provide all the complete options necessary for operating a Heliport.

Keeping the lights on – Airside International Article

Very informative article from “Airside International” on recent Airfield Lighting markets trends and developments, featuring our MD Keith Spicer.

ALS awarded prestigious “Made in Britain” status

Made in Britain are committed to helping the Great British trade market. As a British company ourselves, we have now joined this growing community following our successful inspection.

We are delighted to be able to use this mark now on our products manufactured in our Wickford factory in Essex to highlight their British heritage to the rest of the world.

The Made in Britain logo is Britain’s mark of excellence.

It shows our continued commitment to local manufacturing in our community and both the dedication and skill of our staff in achieving this standard.

Inter Airport 2021 New Products

Nov 8th, AGL Advancement Group UK, the owners of International Airport Visual & Navigational Aids Limited (IAVNA), Airfield Lighting Systems (ALS) and Parkinson Richmark (Richmark) announce key new products at Inter Airport, Europe’s leading Airport Exhibition.

The company under its ALS brand is delighted to announce three new product families at the Munich exhibition, increasing its LED range of Airfield Ground Light Fittings (AGL) substantially.

An LED PAPI is the main new flagship product. With a power consumption of 57W this PAPI is significantly more economical than similar products. This fitting is manufactured from high quality, tough 6mm aluminium to provide outstanding thermal heat management and stability. It is easy to maintain and clean, set up is quick and easy on site making it a good choice for installers.

Additionally, there is a brand new range of SFL (Sequence Flashing Lights) added to the range, consisting of inset and elevated lights. These are compliant with FAA and ICAO recommendations and can be used in conjunction with existing approach lights.

Also added to the range of popular DTS fittings is a brand new inset light featuring circling guidance particularly useful in runway edge lighting. The fitting has a high impact design and has four additional prisms to provide the omni-directional component.

Inter Airport Exhibition Munich Nov 9-12

We are delighted to announce that we will be exhibiting in Munich in November at the Inter Airport show.

We are launching three exciting new LED fittings for our ALS range. Additionally we will be featuring our SmartBolts and new professional Airlifter tools.

We are in Hall B5 Stand 1318 please come and say hello!

New Product – ALS Mounting Bases and Adaptor Ring

ALS have just introduced a new set of 8″ and 12″ mounting bases designed for their popular DTS range of LED Airfield Ground light fittings.

The range consists of 8″ and 12″ bases with an array of conduit entry options. They are designed to universal IEC standards so any compliant fitting can be installed using these tough and durable aluminium bases.

Features:

Bottom hole or side entry for electrical connection.
Universal IEC Compliant design.
Side entry (single on one side and double conduits on opposite side)
High Pressure Aluminium casting
Anodized surface for protection.
Perfect machining to complement ALS fittings.

Also included in the range is a 12″ adaptor ring designed to accommodate an 8″ ALS LED fitting and machined perfectly to match the 12″ mounting base.

As an optional extra, the LED fittings can be installed in conjunction with our new SmartBolts to provide a lifetime of hassle free, easy to inspect bolts, that reduce the risk of FOD and dramatically improve safety on the airfield. Please call us for more details.

https://www.airfieldlightingsystems.com/the-smartest-bolt-you-will-ever-see/

NEW LED Portable Light Unit

ALS LIPO-1 is a low intensity portable airfield light with dual colour and multifunctional omnidirectional battery-operated LED’s The default colours are blue and red. On request there is possibility for other colours, different intensity levels as well as a flashing options. It boasts a powerful battery with long operation time and a photocell is included as standard to minimise energy wastage.

It is lightweight and is contained in a tough yellow body. Applications include airside operations to highlight closed taxiways, roads and to provide extra visibility of areas under maintenance.

Features:

Reliable, robust case to IP57
Long operational time/battery life time.
Photocell control
Correspondence with many fixed lights
Optional chargeable battery option (coming)
Up to 4 different colours (red and blue as default)
Bi-directional on request
Non-brittle material (down to -50oC)
Frame default colour yellow with firm handle
Dome made of UV resistance polycarbonate possibility for 3 different intensity options on request

https://www.airfieldlightingsystems.com/products/airfield-ground-lighting/als-pbl-led-portable-light-unit/

NEW Product – Airlight DTS Inset light Professional Lifting Tool

The new Airlight Lifting Tool has been specifically designed by engineers who have worked on the airfield regularly. It makes light work of maintenance and overcomes the most common issues when lifting lights out of the runway for testing, maintenance or replacement.

There are 4 models in the 8″ series and 3 types of 12″ tool to cover the major brands of light fittings used on airfields including ALS, ADB, OCEM, Thorn and Hella (please see our website for a complete list of brands and models that are supported).

Safety is paramount and this is a professional tool designed to keep the operator safe, it comes with a two year guarantee.

Benefits

Save Time – Remove and replace an inset light 30% faster and more consistently than other models.

Save Money – Professionally lift the light fittings for maintenance without damaging them or the rubber gaskets.

Protect Engineers – The Airlight lifter can be used while wearing high voltage gloves and also has a rubber handle and a firm grip that is specifically designed to keep fingers away from the light fitting.

Reduce F.O.D. – Less tools mean less risk, the tool has class 1 reflective tape to make it visible at night.

Features

Rubber handle to reduce the risks from electrical shocks.
Magnetic handle to speed up removal of washers from fittings.
Non-Slip Guards on the tool.
Handy extraction hook moulded into body.
Pivoted extraction bar designed to minimise effort to lift fitting.
Curved leverage point to ease extraction of light.
5 sizes in the range to fit ALS, ADB, ATG, TKH, Thorn, OCEM and old Alstom products.
8” and 12” models with Hook or Round pin extraction points.

For more details please visit our website https://www.airfieldlightingsystems.com/products/accessories/als-airlight-dts-inset-light-professional-lifting-tool/

New Series Cut Out Switch (SCO) available

The Series Plug Cut Out Switch (SCO) is designed with safety first, second and third in mind. It is designed to safely isolate the series circuit from the CCR’s before testing or maintenance on any fittings on the airfield.

They enable the airfield ground lighting circuit to be safely disconnected, isolated, and earthed by the simple rotation of the connector lid without exposing the user to high voltages. The lockable top cover lifts out, rotates and is re-inserted at 90 degrees back into the base unit, then is locked to safely isolate the circuit.

Tough and durable providing reliable multi-use operation, thanks to the shape of the body and “lock and rotate” operation.