China's first runway status light system put into operation in Shanghai

(ECNS) -- China's first runway status light system was officially put into operation at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Sunday, helping aircraft cross, take off and land at night.

The system integrates data from the field lighting facility and surface surveillance to provide a visual signal to pilots to cross or land.

After implementation, the probability of runway intrusion will be reduced by 70 percent and airport safety guaranteed with the help of traditional air traffic control personnel.

Constructed in September 2022, the first runway status light system includes 22 sets of runway entrance lights and four sets of takeoff waiting lights. It successfully passed verification testing in December 2023.

To ensure safety during the trial operation, Hongqiao International Airport and the East China Air Traffic Management Bureau of Civil Aviation carried out a system safety risk assessment and multiple rounds of emergency drills.