Replacing ILS at Dubai International Airport (DXB) - one of the busiest airports in the world

Replacing Instrument Landing System (ILS) at some of the busiest and complex airports in the world is a complex task. Not only is it essential to ensure the safety of passengers and airplanes, but also the project needs to be completed in the shortest time possible to minimize system downtime.

In May 2022, AviNeering took on the challenge of replacing two NORMARC 32-element systems and Glide Paths at Dubai International Airport (DXB), and the project was completed in just over one month

The Localizer and Glide Path systems help guide the planes to the runway and ensure their safe landing. With such a high volume of air traffic, the reliability and efficiency of these systems are crucial to maintaining safe operations. The scope of the project involved the replacement of the existing Localizer and upgrade to a 32-element system at runway 12L and 30R. The existing steel mast was replaced with a new Amplisafe Frangible Glide Path mast, and the position of the Glide Path was changed to improve the line-up situation, resulting in increased traffic efficiency. The new 32-element localizer antenna system enables wide-bodied aircraft to move closer to the runway without disrupting the localizer signal in space, further enhancing the airport's efficiency.

The project was broken down into five phases: project management and planning, dismantling the existing system, installation of the new system, commissioning the new system, and flight check calibration. Each of these phases was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the project's success.

In phase one, AviNeering developed a comprehensive method statement and risk assessment plan. This phase ensured that the project's scope was clear, and all risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated before proceeding with the project.

The second phase involved dismantling the existing system, where technical expertise and experience is an important factor to ensure it is successfully accomplished.  

The third phase, installation of the new system, involved setting up the 32-element localizer antenna system and Amplisafe Frangible Glide Path mast. The installation phase required precise alignment of the antenna and the mast to guarantee that the system is mechanically aligned correct.

The fourth phase was the commissioning of the new system, which involved testing all the components of the new system to ensure they were functioning as expected.

The final phase, flight check calibration, involved testing the system's accuracy by conducting several test flights to check the Localizer and Glide Path's functionality, and that it is within the acceptable tolerance and requirements.

Despite the project's complexity, AviNeering completed all five phases in just over one month. The completion of the project ensured the safe and efficient operation of DXB's ILS, which is critical to the airport's air traffic operations.

Replacing critical navigation systems such as the ILS requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and precision. The replacement of the NORMARC 32-element systems at DXB in just one month is an accomplishment we at AviNeering is proud of, and proves our expertise and dedication in the field. With airports continuing to handle increasing numbers of passengers every year, the safe and efficient operation of ILS is crucial to maintaining safe and seamless aircraft landings.