Southampton airport using solar-powered runway lights by Cheap Flights Booker UK

In a UK first, Southampton airport has installed solar-powered LED safety lights across its airfield.

Nicknamed "wig wags" due to their flashing patterns, the lights are being used to direct aircraft and vehicles at intersections between the runway and taxiways.

Solar panels charge the batteries and ensure the system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is also possible for the units to store enough energy to continue working for up to 120 days without any solar charging.

Similar technology is being used at Toronto airport and by the US Air Force and Army in Afghanistan.

Steve Thurston, Southampton airport"s senior development manager, said: "As the lights are 100% solar-powered, we"ve been able to minimise the environmental footprint and maintenance costs by using a renewable energy light source.

"We"ve also been able to install them in the more remote areas of the airport, where there is no access to power supplies."

Southampton is among the airports that have been shortlisted for an accolade at this year"s British Travel Awards.


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