Powering the Future of Airfield Ground Lighting

Airfield ground lighting (AGL) is a powerful visual system that ensures pilots can land, taxi and take off safely in perfect visibility or dense fog. Every light is part of a carefully calibrated network designed to meet strict international standards, reduce operational risk and maintain the rhythm of airport traffic.

As aviation continues to expand and modernise, the importance of reliable, energy efficient and intelligently engineered lighting has never been greater. As an independent consultant, Deerns is helping lead that evolution. With decades of experience and a reputation for pushing innovation boundaries, Deerns provides next generation AGL solutions that blend performance, sustainability and adaptability – serving both major international hubs and regional airports.

Independent Design for the Best-Fit Solution

Suppliers of AGL systems often include design services as part of their offering, which allows them to tailor specifications to their own product ranges. Deerns’ approach begins with functional design. By defining what the system must achieve rather than which specific products it should use, we enable multiple suppliers to bring forward their best solutions and innovations.

As independent consultants, we ensure that the design remains open and performance-driven, creating a level playing field for all qualified vendors. This approach gives clients both flexibility and confidence that the final system represents the best technical and operational fit for their airport.

Transitioning to LED: Beyond the Basics

Deerns has embraced aviation industry’s shift from halogen to LED lighting transition as an opportunity to redesign the underlying infrastructure. Conventional systems are highly inefficient for LED use – only about 10% of the LED’s power input goes to lighting, with an astonishing 90% lost.

This transition is driven by three priorities: energy efficiency, reduced maintenance and improved system availability.

• Energy Savings: Replacing halogen with LED lighting can cut energy use by around 50%.
• Reduced Maintenance & System Availability: LED systems require far less maintenance, minimising runway downtime.

Case Study: Innovation that Breaks the AGL Mould

At Schiphol Airport, Deerns pioneered a breakthrough project that went beyond adopting LEDs: it replaced traditional high-current power supplies with an innovative low-current system. This first-of-its-kind approach at scale, developed in close collaboration with manufacturers, broke industry conventions and delivered significant advantages:

• Ultra-low power demand, enabling smaller substations and emergency systems.
• Lower infrastructure costs and complexity, while ensuring maximum efficiency.

Importantly, this work was carried out while the runways remained operational. This was not just a technical achievement; it required changing mindsets within the airport and manufacturers. It is thanks to Deerns’ long-term relationships and deep industry trust that this was possible.

In critical areas like airport centres where infrastructure cannot be shut down for maintenance, we have also introduced partitioned cabling and power zones. This allows maintenance to be performed on one section without impacting the wider system, thereby increasing operational availability and safety. For high traffic airports, this kind of thinking is essential.

Global Standard, Local Partner

With over three decades of hands-on experience in AGL design and implementation, Deerns has a deep understanding of international as well as regional standards that shape the aviation industry. Our proven track record and long-standing relationships with key clients give us unique insight into the distinct challenges of each airport. This combination of global expertise and local understanding ensures consistency, safety, and reliability across airports worldwide.

Whether supporting operations in the Netherlands, Taiwan, Turkmenistan or Mexico, Deerns has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate within global standards while tailoring its solutions to meet local needs.

Custom Solutions for Every Airport

Large airports often have dedicated engineering teams and direct access to manufacturers. Smaller airports do not. That’s where we add extra value. Drawing from decades of work with major hubs like Schiphol, Deerns helps smaller clients access top tier solutions with custom fit guidance. This allows even modest regional airports to implement world class systems without excessive investment or risk.

Through longstanding relationships with airport authorities and lighting manufacturers, we’re able to support practical, forward-looking solutions. Our experience across Europe, the Caribbean and Asia has built a reputation for transparency, innovation, and reliable outcomes.

Enabling Progress

In a world where reliability, sustainability and performance matter more than ever, Deerns proves that great lighting design is not just about illumination, it is about enabling progress. From achieving a 70% reduction in power consumption at a major European hub to helping smaller airports adopt world-class standards, Deerns turns complex technical challenges into practical, scalable solutions.

Our work does not stop at compliance; it aims to push the boundaries of what is possible within international aviation standards. With a deep understanding of both engineering and operations, a long history of collaboration with manufacturers, and a hands-on approach to every project, Deerns supports airports in becoming safer, more efficient and ready for the future.