With unique safety considerations, custom-engineered lighting poles, and a dual scope of work involving both standard electrical and high-voltage airfield systems, Auckland Airport’s Northern Airfield Expansion was anything but ordinary.
The Northern Airfield Expansion was a key piece in the airport’s infrastructure development programme to improve operational efficiency and aircraft movement. Brian Perry Civil (as the main contractor) selected DGE due to our proven airfield experience, safety-first culture, and technical capability to deliver both general and specialist airfield electrical installations.
The challenge
Working in one of the country’s most tightly controlled operational environments, connecting Auckland Airport’s live airside zone to the new expansion, presented several logistical and technical challenges:
Airside constraints
Work had to align with strict airside access rules, permitting systems, and safety protocols.
Live environment
With no disruption allowed to airport operations, DGE carefully coordinated works within a 24/7 operating schedule.
Specialist infrastructure
Installation of bottom-hinged, 30-metre high mast lighting poles required a counterbalance unit and high-precision execution.
Dual electrical systems
Integration of both 400V general supply and 3,000V airfield ground lighting (AGL) systems.
Safety, compliance, and coordination were paramount. The project required robust planning, multi-party coordination (with Brian Perry Civil as the main contractor), and a highly trained team familiar with the operational and technical nuances of airside work.
Our Solution
DGE delivered a complete electrical scope in two distinct but integrated packages:
General Electrical Services
• Supply and installation of new 400V distribution boards
• Underground cable reticulation to high mast light poles
• Connection and commissioning of apron lighting infrastructure
• Supply and installation of CCTV poles and supporting comms systems
Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL)
• Supply and installation of 3,000V constant current AGL systems
• Centreline lighting for RSS2/Taxiway Mike
• Execution by a specially trained internal AGL team
• Compliance with AKL specifications and aviation safety standards
Key Innovations
Use of Abacus bottom-hinged 30m poles lowered via hydraulic counterbalance units, allowing full maintenance at ground level. These units are safer, faster to install, and eliminate the need for elevated work platforms. All lighting assembly and maintenance is conducted at ground level, removing the safety issues associated with working with live cables at height.
Our longstanding relationship with AKL meant clear communication, trusted delivery, and operational alignment from day one.
The Outcome
The result was a high-performance lighting and airfield system, designed for safety, built for efficiency, and delivered without disruption:
• Fully commissioned and compliant apron and taxiway lighting system
• Improved safety and visibility for airside operations
• Future-proofed infrastructure with easier long-term maintenance
• Seamless integration with airport operations and contractor teams
Why DGE?
Airside experience
Proven capability working in live aviation environments
Safety-first culture
Site Safe certified, Totika prequalified, and zero-harm focus
Specialist knowledge
In-house expertise in both general and AGL electrical systems
Strong communication
Close collaboration with AKL, Brian Perry Civil, and other stakeholders
End-to-end delivery
Reliable execution from planning through to commissioning
“The combination of specialist electrical capability, airside experience, and a deep understanding of operational constraints made DGE the ideal partner for this complex upgrade.”
Aaron Williams
Contracts Manager
