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Aircraft can now move in and out of the Kumasi Airport both day and night after the completion of the $29 million rehabilitation works. The airport has been fitted with a $4.9 million high-tech aeronautical ground lighting (AGL) system that supports night operations. Hitherto, flights operated from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Ghana Air force has completed all trial flights and certified the system. Airfields. The 1,981-metre runway has been rehabilitated with plans made to extend it to 2,500 metres. The airport can now accommodate aircraft such as the 737/300, 737/400 and 737/500. The airport, which has had international designation standard since 2003, can now boast a 1,000 kilovolts generator as a backup. President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, are expected to jointly inaugurate the refurbished airport on December 15, 2014. Other dignitaries to grace the occasion include Mrs Dzifa Attivor, Minister of Transport, and other players in the aviation industry. Instruments Landing System Already, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has installed Instruments Landing System (ILS) to complement the AGL. ILS is a radio beam transmitter that provides direction for approaching aircraft that tune their receiver to the ILS frequency. It is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision, lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to ensure a safe landing. According to the Regional Airport Manager, Kumasi, Mr Kwadwo Abrefa Sarkodie, other new facilities installed are two new commercial scales, new body scanners, two x-ray machines for both hand luggage, and large luggage as well as an archway metal detector. The airport authorities have also acquired a new bus and high-tech ambulance that meet international standards. Refuelling The 86-capacity car park has been expanded to accommodate 500 vehicles, while the entire lighting system within and outside the airport has been revamped to match with the night operations. Mr Sarkodie said the airport authorities had almost completed discussion, with GOIL Ghana Limited for the installation of aviation fuel facilities that would allow aircraft from outside the country to refuel. He explained that with the aviation refuelling facility, domestic airlines could also operate from Takoradi to Kumasi and then to Tamale and back because they would be able to refuel in Kumasi.