Hong Kong Airport Using ARINC Lightning Warning System

Hong Kong International Airport (ICAO code: VHHH), which has been a frequent target of lightning strikes over the years, has suffered no lightning-related injuries occurring since installing ARINC's ALWS (airport lighting warning system) in 2003, despite an average of 40 to 50 thunderstorms each summer, according to its producer.

While physical danger to ramp personnel from lighting is a major concern, there also are adverse economic consequences, such as flight disruptions, when ramps must be cleared because of lightning threats. This places a burden on those who must decide when to sound a lightning alert - and when to signal an all-clear.

ARINC designed ALWS (also called ForeWarn) to make this decision less difficult.  The system combines local measurements of atmospheric electricity from sensors installed on the airport grounds with Vaisala regional lightning data, to produce a relative indicator of lightning risk that is depicted by yellow and red lights.

Under a yellow light, staff and ramp personnel may be advised to stop non-essential activities.  Under a red light, managers may halt all airport ramp activities including baggage handling, refueling, and catering.  Airport employees, airline staff, and passengers may be advised to stay inside.

Hong Kong also has installed lightning shelters to protect ramp personnel, and offers passengers a video and leaflet explaining the need for lightning alerts and the effects of lightning on airport operations.

To avoid data loss from lightning transients, the system uses fiber optics instead of wires.

Hong Kong was one of the first major airports in the world to adopt the system.  03-31-2007.

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