V.C. Bird International Airport has completed the transition to a new LED airfield lighting system, marking another major step in the ongoing rehabilitation and modernisation of Antigua and Barbuda’s main international airport.

The new system replaces the airport’s legacy Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system and follows a comprehensive process of integration, testing, verification and operational commissioning.

Several critical components of the aerodrome’s lighting and visual aids infrastructure were included in the switchover, among them the Approach Lighting System, Runway Threshold Identification Lights, Runway Edge and End Lights and Runway Turn Pad Lights.

Precision Approach Path Indicators, or PAPI, which provide pilots with visual guidance during their approach to the runway, were also incorporated into the upgraded system.

Other improvements include wind indicators, mandatory instruction and information signs, the VOR Aerodrome Checkpoint Sign, Runway Guard Lights and solar-powered Taxiway Edge Lights.

The airport said its technical team conducted testing and verification to ensure the newly commissioned system is safe, reliable, compliant and ready to support aircraft operations.

The successful transition represents the latest milestone in the wider rehabilitation of the airfield, as work continues to upgrade infrastructure and modernise operations at V.C. Bird International.

Airport officials praised those involved in completing the latest phase of the project and said the improvements form part of the broader effort to modernise the country’s primary international gateway.

The rehabilitation programme is continuing, with the LED lighting upgrade expected to provide improved and more modern visual guidance to support aircraft operating at the airport.