As airports across Africa accelerate modernization efforts, safety, efficiency, and sustainability are taking center stage. One of the standout technologies gaining global traction is CEDD – Contactless Energy & Data Distribution from TKH Airport Solutions, a Netherlands-based company under the TKH Group. Recently showcased at the Ethiopian Aviation Forum, this next-generation Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system is positioned as a transformative solution for airfield operations in Africa and beyond.
A Disruptive Leap in Airfield Lighting
Unlike conventional 6.6A AGL systems, which rely on high-voltage loops, transformers, and connectors, TKH’s CEDD system is fully digital, operates at low voltage (660V), and enables contactless induction-based power and data transfer. This design means no more buried transformer pits or connectors, historical weak points prone to corrosion, water ingress, and energy loss.
CEDD was developed specifically for LED lighting, offering seamless control and diagnostics of each individual light on a runway or taxiway. With this system, operators can switch lights on or off, control direction and intensity, and receive detailed fixture feedback, all with a response time of under half a second. For busy or weather-prone airports, that speed translates directly into enhanced operational safety and efficiency.
Sustainability Meets Smart Connectivity
With up to 70% lower energy consumption than traditional AGL systems, CEDD is a clear answer to the aviation sector’s sustainability ambitions. The system also integrates with TKH’s SmartPad and Smart Visual Guidance solutions, tools that improve aircraft routing during taxing and de-icing, further reducing emissions and improving turnaround times.
According to TKH’s internal studies and data from SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research), CEDD installations can cut fuel burn during taxiing by 30%, CO₂ emissions by 30%, and reduce taxiing time and movement delays by up to 80%. These are compelling figures for airports striving to meet carbon-neutral targets.
Cost Efficiency and Ease of Installation
One of the system’s major appeals, especially for airports in emerging markets, is its ease of installation. Without the need for transformer pits or heavy civil engineering, CEDD-based lighting systems can be installed at a fraction of the cost, up to 80% less in some cases. Installation time is also significantly reduced: TKH claims the process is up to 10 times faster than traditional systems.
This scalability and cost effectiveness make CEDD particularly suited for African airports upgrading infrastructure or building new runways with limited budgets.
Proven in Harsh Conditions Worldwide
TKH’s CEDD technology is no prototype. It’s already been deployed at over 200 airports globally, including complex environments such as Vienna Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, Memphis International, and Vancouver International. One standout case is Turkey’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Europe’s 8th busiest, where CEDD helped increase capacity via a hybrid runway-taxiway configuration.
The system is also certified under major international safety and performance standards, including ICAO Annex 14, FAA, EASA, and more, making it readily deployable in various regulatory environments.
Asset Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
CEDD’s system also shines when it comes to airport asset management. Each fixture reports more than 25 real-time parameters, temperature, power usage, LED output, communication performance, etc. Allowing operators to monitor health status, predict failures, and optimize maintenance schedules. Integrated with systems like IBM Maximo, this unlocks data-driven, AI-enhanced decision making.
A message from the system could read:
“Expected poor weather and low visibility next week , please consider changing fixture IHP3_005 that has a health status of 30%.”
That level of intelligence is the future of smart airfield infrastructure.
Africa’s Opportunity to Leap Ahead
As African aviation grows, both in passenger volumes and cargo demand, the continent’s airports have a chance to leapfrog legacy infrastructure by adopting such advanced, future-proof technologies. TKH Airport Solutions’ presentation in Ethiopia couldn’t have come at a better time. The country is investing in a new $7.8 billion airport, while other African nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana are also expanding their air transport infrastructure.
The integration of sustainable, digital AGL systems like CEDD not only enhances safety but also aligns with broader climate commitments, operational efficiency goals, and passenger satisfaction metrics. More importantly, it shows that African airports don’t have to play catch-up, they can lead the world in smart aviation infrastructure.
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