The Airside: No Room for Error

The Airside: No Room for Error

The airside is the heartbeat of any airport — where aircraft take off, land, taxi, and turn around. It’s a high-stakes environment that demands precision, coordination, and absolute reliability. One key element that keeps this complex system safe and operational at all times is airfield ground lighting (AGL).

AGL systems guide pilots during landing and takeoff, especially in low visibility or night operations. They ensure safe aircraft movement on runways and taxiways, support emergency procedures, and help maintain operational continuity.

But this system only works as well as it is designed, installed, and maintained.

Why the Right Expertise Matters

When airfield ground lighting is poorly specified, inconsistently implemented, or managed by partners without the necessary depth of experience, the risks are immediate and costly:

• Flight delays and cancellations
• Safety incidents due to miscommunication or system failure
• Operational bottlenecks affecting aircraft and ground crews
• Reputational damage for the airport and its stakeholders

In short, the airside is too important to entrust to inexperienced providers or undertrained teams.

The Rules for a Continuously Operating Airside

To ensure uninterrupted, safe airside operations, airports must follow a few essential principles:

• Select proven partners with a long-standing track record in airfield systems
• Standardize solutions to reduce complexity and simplify integration
• Invest in staff training so teams understand the systems and environment
• Ensure spare parts availability for rapid response and minimal downtime
• Follow a strict, preventative maintenance regime to guarantee 24/7 operability

These principles form the foundation of a resilient, professional airport operation.

OCEM Airfield: 100 Years of Innovation, Service, and Partnership

With over a century of experience, OCEM Airfield has supported airports worldwide with reliable, high-performance airfield lighting and power solutions. But our value goes far beyond technology.

We have the experience and expertise to support our customers from design to commissioning, installation, and training. Our mission is to help professionalize airport operations and sustain them with the right services that ensure safe, efficient, and round-the-clock functionality.

We don’t just deliver products — we become a trusted partner in the ongoing performance of your airside operations.

When safety, uptime, and long-term performance matter, choose a partner who brings a century of confidence — and a future of innovation. Choose OCEM Airfield. Get in touch with us here.