Upgrade for Cairns Airport instrument landing system

ILS is a course-forming radio navigation aid that supports the safe and efficient movement of air traffic into and out of the airport, particularly during low visibility and bad weather conditions. General Manager Technology and Asset Services, Alastair Hodgson, said that the $3 million Cairns upgrade and maintenance work had been timed to ensure minimal disruption to the travelling public. ILS is a highly accurate and dependable means for pilots to navigate to the runway when visibility is reduced. We have therefore planned this work to occur when weather conditions are more favourable. The timing also means that the upgrade will be completed before the onset of the wet season when demand from airlines for use of the ILS traditionally peaks, Mr Hodgson said. Airservices has liaised with Cairns Airport, airlines and other sectors of the aviation industry in far north Queensland to ensure minimal disruption to the travelling public. Cairns Airport is one of Australias leading regional airports and provides important links to a range of domestic and international locations, Mr Hodgson said. This upgrade to the ILS will improve safety and ensure that extended and uncontrolled outages are kept to a minimum in future, he said. The upgrade includes essential works on equipment and facilities currently used for the provision of precision approach services. An Airservices project team has been deployed to Cairns, and expect to complete the upgrade by September 2010. ILS equipment around Australia is gradually being upgraded or replaced by Airservices to ensure continued service provision until 2025.