On 15 April 2026, ADB SAFEGATE announced the launch of AXON EQ ADAL (Adaptive Airfield Lighting), a new airfield lighting solution designed to provide real-time visual guidance to aircraft and ground vehicles, helping airports improve surface safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance.
As air traffic volumes increase and ground operations become more complex, airports are under growing pressure to reduce runway incursions, optimise taxi flows, and minimise emissions. Traditional airfield lighting systems, which rely on fixed intensity and manual coordination, offer limited support for dynamic operational environments.
AXON EQ ADAL introduces adaptive capabilities to airfield lighting by enabling lights to automatically adjust colour and intensity based on live operational data. Integrated with airfield lighting control and monitoring systems (ALCMS) and digital airside platforms, the system provides clear, intuitive visual cues to pilots and drivers during aircraft and vehicle movements.
Using colour-coded guidance – such as green for cleared routes, red for stop instructions, and yellow for caution – AXON EQ ADAL supports improved situational awareness and reduces reliance on radio communication in time-critical scenarios.
“Airports are moving towards more data-driven and automated surface operations, where clarity and timing are critical,” said Regardt Willer, CMO and VP Business Development at ADB SAFEGATE. “With AXON EQ ADAL, lighting becomes an active part of the operational system – providing real-time guidance that helps reduce risk, improve flow, and support more efficient decision-making on the airfield.”
The solution supports key operational scenarios, including runway incursion prevention and enhanced taxi guidance in complex or low-visibility environments.
AXON EQ ADAL integrates within ADB SAFEGATE’s digital airside CORTEX platform, including ALCMS, Apron Manager and OneControl, allowing lighting behaviour to respond directly to real-time aircraft and vehicle positions. The system uses powerline communication technology to transmit control signals through existing airfield electrical infrastructure, enabling deployment without the need for additional communications cabling.
By enabling more efficient taxi routing and reducing unnecessary holding times, the solution also contributes to lower fuel burn and emissions during ground operations. Its retrofit-compatible design allows airports to introduce adaptive lighting capabilities progressively, without requiring full infrastructure replacement.
