The building work for the new precision approach system at Kokkola-Pietarsaari began with the dismantling of the old system in early summer. The new system was taken into use after thorough testing and the approval of the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi) at the beginning of September.
The ILS (Instrument Landing System) is a precision approach system which allows aircraft to approach a runway even in conditions of poor visibility. The system guides the aircraft to the runway at the correct angle.
The ILS is an essential precondition for regular commercial air traffic. It gives airports a chance to operate even when the weather turns difficult. In practice, this means that air traffic and passengers do not need to worry about delays and that traffic flows smoothly.
Last year, Finavia carried out corresponding equipment renewals at the airports of Savonlinna, Kittilä and Utti.
The total value of the investment in Kokkola-Pietarsaari is approximately half a million euros. Every year, Finavia carries out a large number of maintenance investments at network airports and in air traffic control to ensure that the operating conditions for air traffic across the country remain competitive.