At midnight on April 7th, under the guidance of the Civil Aviation Administration of East China, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport officially initiated the trial operation of its runway status light system. This system, which utilizes red lights in the runway and taxiway areas, provides clear and precise indications to guide aircraft in crossing runways in an orderly manner. This marks the first time that a runway status light system has been trialed at a domestic airport.

The runway status light system acts as a “smart traffic signal” on the runway. It utilizes data from the airfield and terminal area traffic situations to automatically communicate via light signals to pilots and vehicle drivers, providing timely and accurate information about runway occupancy. This assists air traffic control towers in directing aircraft for crossing runways and takeoff activities. With the runway status light system in operation, the likelihood of runway incursions can be reduced by 70%, enhancing airport operational safety in conjunction with traditional air traffic control.

The system at Hongqiao Airport comprises 22 runway entrance light sets and 4 takeoff hold light sets, and its operational control program is tailored to meet the national civil aviation operational requirements and industry standards. This fills a gap in China's aviation navigation light intelligent control systems. In 2018, under the unified deployment of the Shanghai Airport Group, Hongqiao Airport initiated specialized research and onsite trials for the runway status light system. The construction officially started in September 2022, with the main project completed in June 2023 and system testing initiated in July 2023. In December 2023, the first verification flight was successfully completed, making all necessary technical preparations for the planned trial operation.

To ensure safety during the trial period, Hongqiao Airport collaborated with the East China Air Traffic Control of the Civil Aviation Administration to develop operation, maintenance, and emergency manuals, along with key performance indicators. The airport conducted systematic safety risk assessments and multiple rounds of emergency drills, and also briefed airlines on the application of the status lights. During the trial operation, a mechanism for regular operational updates and reviews was established, allowing for comprehensive evaluations of operations and continuous optimization of operational parameters. This solid foundation not only supports the forthcoming formal launch but also provides replicable and extendable experiences from Shanghai Airport for the construction, operation, maintenance, and emergency handling of civil aviation runway status light systems.