The Port Elizabeth Airport has upgraded its runway approach lights at a cost of about R500 000 to improve the efficiency of the airport.

The completion of the upgrade comes shortly after the announcement of a R174-million investment to lengthen the runway and provide 300 additional parking bays by 2010.

The upgrading of the runway lights was completed towards the end of last year at a total cost of R475 000.

"Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services teamed with the airport to upgrade the runway approach lights," said Anthony Groom, of Airports Company SA (Acsa) in Port Elizabeth.

"A full barrette system was put in place, which included 128 lights."

Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services spokesperson Peter Rabie said with growing traffic in major cities posing increasing infrastructure challenges, it was important to use technology to improve efficiency.

Acsa's Groom said: "Airport lighting systems and ILS (instrument landing systems) are the only devices that provide the pilot with a visual cue of exact aircraft positioning, even under the most severe meteorological conditions.

"Because of their instrumental role during the most critical phases of airport movement ? approach, landing, taxiing and take-off ? they must fulfil the highest degree of reliability, while at the same time conforming to the strictest international standards."

Although much of the project used local components and equipment, certain customised light fittings were sourced from ADB in Belgium, a Siemens company. Systems supplied by Siemens and ADB have a reliable track record and safely manage the ground movements of air traffic at more than 1 200 airports worldwide.

The company has completed similar projects at airports in Johannesburg, George, East London, Durban, Kimberley and Bloemfontein, and is now busy with the airfield project at Cape Town International Airport.

Eastern Province Herald