Laser attacks on aircraft have become a persistent and dangerous threat to aviation safety. These incidents typically involve individuals on the ground pointing high-powered laser beams at aircraft, often during takeoff or landing. While seemingly harmless to the untrained eye, these attacks can have serious consequences for pilots, passengers, and air traffic safety.
In the world of aviation, safety is everything. One of the most persistent challenges airports face is the risk of runway overruns—when an aircraft can't stop before the end of the runway during take-off or landing. These incidents rank among the top causes of aircraft-related accidents worldwide.
For years, airports have relied on Runway Safety Areas (RSAs) to reduce this risk. But what happens when there's no space to build one? That’s where EMAS steps in.
EMAS, short for Engineered Material Arresting System, is a safety system placed at the end of a runway. It uses specially engineered, crushable materials—like lightweight concrete or recycled glass foam—that collapse under the weight of an aircraft. This controlled collapse slows the aircraft down safely and quickly, preventing disaster.
Think of it as the aviation world’s equivalent of a runaway truck ramp—but for planes.
When an aircraft enters the EMAS bed, the material starts to crush, absorbing the aircraft’s energy. The further it moves, the deeper and more resistant the bed becomes, slowing the aircraft until it comes to a stop.
These systems are:
The EMAS surface is clearly marked with yellow chevrons to indicate it’s off-limits for normal operations.
· Crash-Absorbing Material: The
bed is made of crushable cement designed to deform under stress, which absorbs the energy of an aircraft.
· Versatility: EMAS can be installed at airports of all sizes and is particularly suited to runways where space is limited.
· Low Maintenance: After an overrun, the damaged sections of the system can be replaced quickly, minimizing downtime.
· High Efficiency: Over 90% of overruns occur at speeds below 70 knots — right where EMAS is most effective.
EMAS isn't just a U.S. invention—it’s a global lifesaver. Here's where it stands today:
✅ United States: Installed at 121 runway ends across 71 airports. Backed by the FAA.
🌏 International Expansion: Deployed in countries like Germany, China, Spain, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and—most recently—New Zealand, with Queenstown International Airport becoming the first in Australasia to install EMAS in March 2025.
🛠 Providers: Runway Safe AB currently leads the field with two FAA-certified systems:
One of the most famous examples? In 2005, a Boeing 747 overran the runway at JFK Airport. Weighing more than 600,000 pounds, the jet was stopped safely by EMAS. The result: was no injuries, minimal damage (just 9 tires), and the aircraft was back in service within 7 days.
Since then, more than 15 real-world incidents have shown EMAS to be a reliable safety net—literally.
EMAS is fully endorsed by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It’s officially recognized under FAA Policy Order 5200.9, which treats it as equivalent to a 1,000-foot RSA. Technical specs and installation guidelines are outlined in Advisory Circular AC 150/5220-22B.
Post accidents at tabletop runways at Mangalore and Calicut, the Airports Authority of India ( AAI) and the DGCA reviewed installing EMAS at critically short Runways. However, this proposal was rejected by DGCA, citing operational constraints like the cost of installation ( around Rs 100 Crores) and maintenance and post-accident rehabilitation issues. Currently, no Indian airport is equipped with EMAS despite adequate RESA being unavailable at some airports.
With air traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels and airport expansion limited by urban growth, EMAS is more relevant than ever.
Here’s why airports love it:
🔒 Enhanced safety without major land acquisition
💸 Cost-effective compared to runway extensions
🔧 Easy repair after use
🛫 Fast recovery—planes typically back in service in under a week
According to recent forecasts, the EMAS market is expected to hit $437 billion by 2034, growing steadily at 6.5% per year. As more airports seek smarter and safer solutions, EMAS is poised to play a larger role in the future of aviation.
The Engineered Material Arresting System might not grab headlines like the latest aircraft design or airport terminal, but it's quietly saving lives and protecting multi-million-dollar aircraft. As we continue to push the limits of aviation, it’s innovations like EMAS that ensure we’re doing so safely.
If your airport doesn’t have the space for a full RSA, it might be time to crush the problem—literally.
EMAS MAX by ZODIAC
