North Carolina-based Honeywell on Tuesday (22 August) announced the launch of its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) manufacturing facility in Gurugram in Haryana.
The AGL system, engineered and manufactured within the country, is a part of the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, and seeks to make India not only ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in such equipment but also the global leader in their manufacture.
“We are delighted to step up the manufacturing line for the advanced airfield ground lighting system, which is completely designed, developed and manufactured in the country. These highly advanced solutions are key to meeting the airport’s need for balance in compliance, safety, and environmental standards,” said Ashish Modi, president, Honeywell India.
AGL systems consists of an array of ground-installed luminaires and related ancillaries.
The solution is pivotal in guiding aircraft during landing and navigation towards the designated parking area, ensuring operational continuity even under adverse weather conditions, the company said in a release.
AGL plays a crucial role in airport operations and is subject to comprehensive safety and compliance regulations by global aviation standards and regulatory bodies.
To be manufactured in a 41,000-square-foot facility, the Honeywell AGL solutions are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified and compliant to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
The Honeywell range of low-wattage, LED-based lighting solutions are more advanced and a cost-effective replacement of the conventional halogen lamps for AGL needs, thereby helping to decrease energy use and adding to the longevity of the assets.
The Honeywell LED lights are designed to have better durability, longer lifespan, and deliver enhanced energy savings.
It also has improved visibility, increased ease of replacement and requires less maintenance, helping to optimise an airport’s operational costs.
The rapidly growing Indian aviation industry is expected to invest up to $12 billion into the sector and expand up to 220 airports by 2025, from the present 148.
Honeywell’s latest domestic manufacturing facility will not only cater to the escalating demand for airfield ground lighting, but also reinforce the country’s self-reliance in state-of-the-art aviation technology.
Notably, on 1 June this year, Indian-origin business executive, Vimal Kapur became the new CEO of Honeywell International.
Kapur, who has more than three decades of experience of leading the diversified manufacturer’s various businesses succeeded Darius Adamczyk as chief executive.