ATG Airports, in partnership with Siemens and Parmley Graham, is set to deliver one of the UK’s largest and most advanced PLC-controlled Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) control and monitoring systems at a major international airport.
This cutting-edge AGL control system, now undergoing final testing, is scheduled to go live within the next 12 months. Once operational, it will improve airfield safety, efficiency, and resilience at one of the world’s busiest airports — ensuring safe aircraft movements in all weather conditions, 24/7.
As a leading provider of airfield ground lighting solutions in the UK, ATG Airports is managing the complete design, engineering, and validation of this high-performance automation project. The upgraded system will support hundreds of daily aircraft movements with maximum reliability and uptime.
To achieve this, ATG Airports has teamed up with Siemens and Parmley Graham to deliver a robust, scalable PLC-based control solution. The system uses Siemens S7-1500 dual CPU H-systems for AGL safety logic, ET200 CPUs for field device management, and a dual-redundant Modbus TCP network on a resilient Optical Transport Network (OTN) backbone — delivering secure, continuous performance around the clock.
Parmley Graham, the UK’s largest independent supplier of industrial automation equipment and a trusted Siemens partner, is providing technical and logistical support to ensure every component meets strict specifications and integrates seamlessly on site.
Siemens’ trusted S7 industrial automation technology was selected for its proven performance, flexibility, and high reliability in critical airport environments.
Chris McGuinness, Operations Director (Engineering) at ATG Airports, commented: “This flagship project shows how advanced technology, industry expertise, and trusted partners can raise standards for airfield control systems. Working with Siemens and Parmley Graham, we’re setting a new benchmark for safe, efficient airfield operations.”
Paul Dougal, Branch Manager at Parmley Graham, added: “We’re proud to support ATG Airports and Siemens on this landmark project. Our commitment to precision logistics, technical support, and trusted partnerships ensures the success of mission-critical airport infrastructure.”
The full deployment of this advanced PLC-based AGL control and monitoring system is planned for mid-2026, following a thorough 12-month testing and validation programme. This major project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration are vital for the future of safe, reliable air travel.