UK exterior lighting manufacturer CU Phosco has completed a high mast lighting upgrade at Ascension Island Airport, working with Gantech Solutions to replace ageing airfield infrastructure at one of the world’s most remote airports.
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and Africa, Ascension Island Airport operates as a refuelling stop for flights travelling between the UK and the Falkland Islands. The airport is jointly operated by the UK Ministry of Defence and the United States Air Force.
According to the companies, the existing apron lighting system had been in operation for more than 35 years and had become increasingly difficult to maintain due to corrosion and ageing components in the island’s coastal environment.
Gantech Solutions was appointed to deliver the design and build programme, working with CU Phosco to develop a replacement lighting system designed for long-term reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.
Initial plans involved refurbishing the existing high mast structures. However, structural assessments found that corrosion and long-term wear had affected the integrity of the original installations.
Lionel Gapper, Director at Gantech Solutions, explains, “Although the original brief considered reusing the existing masts, our site investigations and further structural assessments showed that corrosion and long-term stress had significantly impacted their integrity.
“Reuse was not a safe or reliable option.”
The completed project retained the existing concrete foundations and cabling infrastructure while introducing new mast systems and LED lighting technology.
The final installation includes:
• Five 20m high masts fitted with 35 LED floodlights
• Two 20m high masts and two 15m mid-hinge masts fitted with 16 LED floodlights
LED upgrade cuts airport energy consumption
The new mast systems were designed to match the existing foundation and bolt configurations, allowing installation without extensive civil engineering work.
According to the companies, the upgraded lighting system includes modern winching systems, new lighting cradles, and updated control systems intended to improve maintenance access and operational reliability.
Lionel continues, “We worked closely with CU Phosco to develop a solution that met the constraints of the site while delivering a significant improvement in performance.”
The lighting design was developed to meet operational standards required by the Ministry of Defence, the USAF, and international aviation guidance.
The project also included a transition from SON lighting technology to LED systems, reducing total power consumption from approximately 72kW to 22.96kW.
According to Gantech Solutions, this delivers energy savings of more than 49kW per hour while improving light quality, visibility, and uniformity across the apron.
The companies say the installation has also reduced maintenance requirements and improved long-term resilience in the island’s coastal and volcanic environment.
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