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Boundary Bay Airport unveils new runway lights

The new system is common at most high traffic airports
airport lights
Fred Kaiser, chairman and CEO of the Alpha Group (middle), shows Delta Mayor Lois Jackson and Coun. Robert Campbell, chair of Delta's Boundary Bay Airport Advisory Committee, the new advanced lighting system that was recently installed on one of the runways at Boundary Bay Airport.

A new advanced lighting system has been installed on one of the runways at Boundary Bay Airport, the latest in an ongoing series of improvement projects.


Alpha Aviation, the operator of the municipally-owned airport, unveiled the $300,000 Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system on Runway 07 Tuesday, a project that includes electrical upgrades and a new airfield lighting control system for the control tower, all completed on time and under budget.


The PAPI system uses a series of red and white lights to guide a pilot while on approach to the runway and indicates whether he or she is high or low on the glide path. PAPI systems are common at most high traffic airports.


"I am pleased to see ongoing investment in Boundary Bay Airport, which has transformed into a world class airport over the last several years as a result of our partnership with Alpha Aviation and their dedication to investment in new infrastructure," said Mayor Lois Jackson. "These upgrades reinforce Boundary Bay Airport as a vital transportation hub for air traffic in the Greater Vancouver region."  


Also on hand for the unveiling were Fred Kaiser, chairman and CEO of the Alpha Group, and Coun. Robert Campbell, chair of Delta's Boundary Bay Airport Advisory Committee.


According to Delta, the PAPI investment continues the vision to create a first-class airport with surrounding industrial development. In 2003, the assessed value of all properties at the airport totaled $5.4 million, generating $143,000 in taxes. The 2014 assessment is over $84 million, generating in excess of $1.5 million in taxes annually.


According to Alpha Aviation, with recent capital investments and expansion, Boundary Bay Airport is now focusing on growth in corporate business aircraft, smaller regional air carriers and developing as a major aviation industrial centre.


Last month, Island Express Air became the first passenger air service operating at the airport, offering flights twice daily to Victoria. Chartered service from the airport will also be provided.


Alpha Aviation, meanwhile, is looking at other upgrades to infrastructure, In a recent presentation to the airport advisory committee, new airport manager Tim Bain outlined a few of the projects planned, including a major repair and surfacing of the aprons.


Delta and Alpha Aviation are hosting an open house on Tuesday, April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be held in the terminal building, 7800 Alpha Way.