AGL Construction & Upgrades
Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) infrastructure is fundamental to safe aircraft operations, enabling pilots to navigate runways, taxiways, and aprons in all weather and visibility conditions. As airports expand, modernise, or transition to energy-efficient LED systems, the construction and upgrade of AGL assets becomes a critical component of airfield development. These works must be executed with precision, compliance, and a deep understanding of aerodrome operations to ensure long-term reliability and regulatory alignment.
AGL construction is far more than installing lights. It is a multidisciplinary engineering process involving civil works, electrical integration and system commissioning. Whether delivering a new runway lighting system, upgrading taxiway circuits, or replacing legacy infrastructure, the goal is always the same: a robust, compliant, and future ready lighting network that supports safe and efficient airport operations.
Why AGL Construction & Upgrades MatteR
Airports face increasing operational demands, evolving regulatory requirements, and growing expectations for energy efficiency and reliability. As a result, many aerodromes are investing in:
- LED conversions to reduce energy consumption and maintenance
- Runway and taxiway expansions requiring new lighting infrastructure
- Replacement of ageing circuits approaching end-of-life
- Upgrades to meet ICAO and MOS 139 standards
- Improved lighting control and monitoring systems
- Enhanced safety and resilience for low-visibility operations
Well-executed AGL construction ensures that airports remain compliant, operationally efficient, and prepared for future growth.
Our Approach to AGL Construction & Upgrades
Delivering AGL infrastructure requires a structured, engineering-driven methodology. Our team specialises in turnkey construction and upgrade projects that integrate civil and electrical disciplines into a cohesive process.
1. Planning, Design & Pre-Construction
Every successful project begins with detailed planning. We work closely with airport stakeholders, consultants, and regulators to develop:
- Scope and design reviews aligned with all the relevant national standards
- Site surveys and condition assessments
- Staging and sequencing plans to minimise operational disruption
- Risk assessments and safety management documentation
- Material specifications and procurement strategies
This upfront work ensures the project is technically sound, compliant, and ready for efficient delivery.
2. Civil Works & Infrastructure Preparation
AGL construction often requires significant civil works, including:
- Trenching and duct installation
- Pit and conduit placement
- Base can installation for inset lights
- Pavement cutting, coring, and reinstatement
Our team ensures all civil works are executed to the highest standards, with a focus on durability, alignment accuracy, and long-term maintainability.
3. Electrical Installation & Circuit Integration
The electrical backbone of an AGL system must be installed with precision to ensure reliability and compliance. Our electrical works include:
- Primary and secondary cable installation
- Isolating transformer placement and termination
- CCR integration and calibration
- Series circuit configuration and load balancing
- Circuit installation and pit wiring
- Earthing and bonding
We ensure every circuit is built to withstand the harsh airside environment and deliver consistent performance.
4. LED Conversions & System Modernisation
Many airports are transitioning from halogen to LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. Our LED upgrade services include:
- Fixture replacement and compatibility checks
- Transformer upgrades
- Colour and intensity verification
- Integration with existing ALCMS
LED upgrades not only improve performance but also extend asset life and reduce operational expenditure.
5. Testing, Commissioning Verification
No AGL construction project is complete without rigorous testing and commissioning. We conduct:
- Insulation resistance and loop resistance testing
- Load and current verification
- CCR performance checks
- Functional testing of all circuits and control systems
This ensures the system meets all regulatory requirements and performs exactly as designed.
6. Documentation & Handover
We provide comprehensive, audit-ready documentation, including:
- As-built drawings
- Test results and commissioning reports
- Asset registers and maintenance recommendations
Our handover process ensures airports have full visibility and confidence in their new or upgraded system.
Common Drivers for AGL Upgrades
Airports typically undertake AGL upgrades to address:
- Ageing infrastructure and end-of-life components
- Non‑compliance with updated standards
- Expansion of runways, taxiways, or aprons
- LED conversion programs
- Reliability issues or recurring outages
- Integration with new control and monitoring systems
Upgrades provide an opportunity to improve safety, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance operational resilience.
Delivering Safe, Compliant & Future Ready AGL Infrastructure
AGL construction and upgrades require a specialist skillset that blends engineering expertise with operational awareness. Our team brings extensive experience across major airports, regional aerodromes, and defence facilities, delivering projects that meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and performance.
Whether you’re constructing new lighting infrastructure, upgrading existing circuits, or transitioning to LED technology, we provide a complete, end-to-end service that ensures your airfield lighting system is built to last and ready for the future of aviation.
Upgrade your runway & taxiway lighting systems with reliable AGL construction and upgrades.