Aeronautical Radio Studies “Follow The Green” For Suvarnabhumi

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is studying the adoption of “Follow The Green” technology at Suvarnabhumi Airport to enhance ground traffic safety, cut carbon emissions and raise operational standards. The system is intended to improve aircraft movement accuracy on the ground and reduce risks during taxiing operations.

On 15 December 2025, Mr Surachai Nuprom, Deputy President and Acting President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (AEROTHAI), said the organisation is accelerating studies into deploying Follow The Green at Suvarnabhumi. The technology uses green taxiway lights to guide aircraft precisely while on the ground. The initiative is being developed in coordination with Airports of Thailand Plc and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. The aim is to ensure the system complies with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

Follow The Green is already in use at several major international airports, including Incheon Airport in South Korea, Changi Airport in Singapore and Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. These airports have reported improvements in safety, reduced taxiing time, lower fuel consumption, reduced carbon emissions and more accurate ground traffic data. Mr Surachai said the joint effort by the three Thai aviation bodies marks a significant step in raising airport safety standards. He added that the system will help Suvarnabhumi Airport accommodate future growth in air traffic in a sustainable manner.

He explained that Follow The Green operates through green lights embedded in taxiways, acting as “intelligent guidance lights” controlled by air traffic control instructions. The system integrates with surface aircraft tracking technologies, including Surface Movement Radar and Multilateration, combined with flight plan data. These systems display real-time aircraft positions on the airport surface and calculate the most efficient taxi routes. When connected to the green taxiway lighting, the system can automatically switch guidance lights on or off to direct aircraft movements.

The technology can guide arriving aircraft from the runway to parking stands and departing aircraft from stands to the runway. This reduces the risk of miscommunication, lowers reliance on voice instructions and increases overall safety. Mr Surachai also said AEROTHAI is upgrading its Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System from Level 2 to Level 4. The upgrade will allow pilots to taxi accurately using visual guidance lights rather than voice communication.

SiamRath reported that in parallel, AEROTHAI is enhancing the skills of air traffic control and engineering personnel. Operational procedures are also being refined to ensure readiness for real-world implementation and compliance with safety standards.

Key Takeaways

• AEROTHAI is studying Follow The Green technology for use at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

• The system aims to improve safety, efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

• Implementation is being coordinated to meet ICAO standards.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-12-17