Emergency lighting at Heathrow: A safe, seamless upgrade for British Airways
Exilux was appointed as the emergency lighting partner for a major upgrade at Heathrow Airport, delivered in collaboration with Jarrards, a leading electrical engineering contractor, on behalf of CBRE Facilities Management for British Airways.
This critical project formed part of a wider programme across both operational buildings and passenger lounges, with Exilux responsible for designing and supplying a fully compliant emergency lighting system tailored to the site’s unique demands. The solution used high-efficiency LED luminaires and a wireless mesh-based testing system, therefore, avoiding the need to connect to Heathrow’s internal networks or risk disruption to critical IT infrastructure.
Sector
Transport
Client
British Airways
Location
Heathrow Airport
Delivery Partner
Jarrads Electrical Engineering
Control and testing system
Wireless testing & monitoring system
Power and battery system
Self-contained emergency Luminaires complete with FM module enabling wireless communication with FM control units
Key Stats
11 Wireless control systems
1153 Emergency luminiares & exit signs
Two environments, one safety standard
The project involved two distinct zones: British Airways’ back-of-house and office areas, and their premium lounges. Both presented different challenges, but shared the same need for a reliable, low-impact emergency lighting system.
In the offices and back-of-house areas, every space was security-controlled and required detailed planning to avoid operational impact.
The lounges posed even greater challenges. These are high-value environments with limited access and a strict no-disruption policy.
All work took place in live, operational environments under strict security protocols. Every engineer required full clearance, and installations were limited to overnight hours between 11pm and 4.30am. Despite the constraints, the full programme was completed without disruption or a single passenger complaint.
Smarter systems with lower costs
At the heart of the system are strategically placed control units, each fitted with secured remote access, beneficial throughout the installation process and for future monitoring. Together, they manage over 1,153 emergency fittings across ancillary buildings, with additional units installed throughout premium passenger lounges.
One of the unique features of this project was the installation of a frequency-based testing system for emergency lighting. Unlike conventional WiFi-based networks, this solution allows remote testing without risk of interference with the critical internal IT infrastructure of the airport.
Each luminaire is self-contained and fitted with an integrated battery and wireless module, allowing seamless wireless communication with the control units. This setup removes the need for manual testing, delivering a smarter, more resilient solution.
In an environment as complex and critical as Heathrow, this system will translate directly into time saved, risk reduced, and improved compliance
Built to last and ready to scale
Every fitting was specified for durability and long-term performance, delivering value and consistent performance.
The switch from fluorescent to LED has supported a wider reduction in annual energy use, while lower maintenance demands and improved reliability across both areas are set to deliver a significant reduction in running costs.
Shared standards
The project’s success was built on collaboration. British Airways, CBRE, Jarrards, and Exilux worked closely throughout the lifecycle of the project, with a shared commitment to safety, compliance and excellence. Our team took ownership of the emergency lighting design and delivery, helping ensure that British Airways could meet its responsibilities with confidence.
Feedback from Jarrards speaks volumes. As one team member put it:
“Exilux were consistently professional, always available, and respected the complexity of working in a live airport environment. They took ownership, delivered what they promised, and made a challenging job easier. We would absolutely work with them again.”
The result is more than just a successful installation. British Airways now has an expandable, modern lighting solution that supports safety, reduces environmental impact, and reinforces the high standard of experience expected in their premium lounges.
”"Exilux were consistently professional, always available, and respected the complexity of working in a live airport environment. They took ownership, delivered what they promised, and made a challenging job easier. We would absolutely work with them again."
Jarrards Electrical Engineering
