Montgomery, Ala. – Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) continues its commitment to innovation and operational excellence with the completion of Phase I of a groundbreaking airfield modernization project — the installation of the first Prefabricated Airfield Lighting Field Electrical Center (ALFEC) in the United States.
This secure, modern electrical vault houses the critical infrastructure that powers MGM’s airfield lighting system. The airport’s previous electrical system, constructed several years ago, had reached the end of its useful life and had become increasingly difficult to operate and maintain. Recognizing the need for a resilient, long-term solution, MGM partnered with its engineering firm, Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), to design and implement a forward-thinking replacement strategy that would modernize airfield operations while minimizing disruption.
The overall project includes a complete replacement of the airfield electrical system, featuring a new standalone electrical vault, a new copper loop system, upgraded airfield signage, and new edge lighting. The work was strategically planned in two phases. Phase I, now complete, consisted of the construction and installation of the ALFEC vault. Phase II, which includes additional airfield electrical upgrades, is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
“This project represents a major step forward for Montgomery Regional Airport,” said Loyd Jenkins, Interim Executive Director of Montgomery Regional Airport. “Modernizing our airfield electrical infrastructure with first-of-its-kind technology strengthens the reliability and safety of our operations while positioning MGM for long-term growth. We are proud to lead the way nationally with this innovation and to partner with Goodwyn Mills Cawood on a solution that reflects our commitment to efficiency, safety, and operational continuity.”
Supported by Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding, Phase I constructed the nation’s first Prefabricated Airfield Lighting Field Electrical Center at MGM. While similar systems have been installed internationally in Canada and the Bahamas, Montgomery Regional Airport is the first airport in the United States to deploy this innovative technology. The ALFEC represents a significant advancement in how airfield electrical infrastructure can be delivered efficiently and reliably.
The Prefabricated Airfield Lighting Field Electrical Center installed at MGM is a factory-assembled, pre-engineered solution designed to house all electrical power systems, constant current regulators, airfield lighting controls, and auxiliary equipment within one fully self-contained unit. By consolidating these critical components into a prefabricated structure, the system significantly reduces on-site installation time and streamlines the switchover process. The design minimizes operational disruption while enhancing long-term reliability and maintainability of the airport’s airfield lighting infrastructure. Through this forward-thinking approach, MGM accelerated construction timelines and reduced impacts to airline partners and daily operations — a top priority throughout the duration of the project.
As MGM continues to invest in critical infrastructure — from essential airfield systems to ongoing passenger-facing improvements — this milestone reinforces the airport’s long-term strategic vision. By strengthening operational resilience, supporting airline growth, enhancing safety standards, and demonstrating fiscal responsibility through efficient design, Montgomery Regional Airport continues to position itself as a forward-thinking aviation hub for the River Region. This achievement underscores MGM’s dedication to delivering modern infrastructure that ensures safe, reliable air service for the community it serves — today and well into the future.
About Montgomery Regional Airport
Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is a key gateway to Alabama’s capital city, connecting passengers to daily flights offered by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines to major hubs including Atlanta, Georgia (ATL); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW); Washington, D.C. (DCA); and now Houston, Texas (IAH)—offering endless connections worldwide. With a commitment to excellence in customer service, safety, and community engagement, MGM continues to elevate the travel experience while driving regional connectivity and economic growth. For more information, visit flymgm.com.
About Goodwyn Mills Cawood
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is one of the largest architecture and engineering firms in the Southeast. Whether designing schools, parks, hospitals and other commercial developments, or providing clean water, safe streets and restoring resilient environments, GMC takes great pride in serving our communities through the transformative work we do. Every project is guided by the foundational concept that communities are built by people, not companies, and we strive to serve our communities with quality, integrity, creativity and care. One of the Southeast’s most comprehensive multi-disciplined firms, GMC is equipped to provide all the services associated with architecture; interior design; civil engineering; environmental services; landscape architecture; planning; transportation engineering; geotechnical engineering; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering; surveying; and disaster recovery. www.gmcnetwork.com
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02-27-2026 Montgomery Regional Airport boasts First Electrical technology in the US