Kirkwall and Inverness Airports are set to receive a £9 million upgrade to new energy efficient Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems.
The new system will be installed at Kirkwall by contractors GM Henderson following an open tender process and G&A Barnie will carry out the work at Inverness.
The new AGL system, which will consume up to 80% less energy, will provide visual guidance to pilots during landing, taxiing and take-off in darkness and when visibility is impaired due to adverse weather conditions.
It will also ensure that the airports are able to continue to operate safely and ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements.
Graeme Bell, Inverness Airport General Manager, said: “The new lighting represents a significant modernisation of our airfield lighting system and will contribute to decreased maintenance schedules while at the same time reducing the airport’s environmental footprint.
“The energy saving qualities of the new system will contribute significantly to reducing our energy consumption at Inverness airport”.
Kirkwall Airport Manager, Kimberley Fisher, said: “Having this new LED AGL system in place not only keeps our runways safe and compliant with regulation, but also supports our work to be more energy efficient.
“The project has been designed to create a seamless transition from the old to the new more sustainable system without impacting our services.”
Of the £9 million, £4 million is being invested in Inverness Airport and £5 million in Kirkwall Airport.