Mark Timms

Mark Timms is a Chartered Engineer and Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) specialist with over three decades of experience in the design and management of complex airfield systems. His background combines deep technical engineering expertise with senior executive leadership, making him uniquely qualified to advance the mission of the Solar Airfield Lighting Association (SALA). 

Professional Experience

• Technical Leadership: Currently the Technical Director for Aviation at WSP in the UK, he previously led the AGL team for Amey’s Airport Infrastructure division. He has managed major AGL installations, including runway/taxiway rehabilitations and transitions from tungsten halogen to LED systems and primary cable replacement across major UK hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted as well as smaller regional airports too..

• Global Project Portfolio: His extensive project history spans international greenfield and brownfield sites, including major works at Kuala Lumpur International (KLIA), Abu Dhabi International, Dubai International, and Brisbane International.

• Regulatory Mastery: He possesses comprehensive knowledge of global aviation standards, including ICAO Annex 14, EASA CS-ADR-DSN, MOS139, and FAA advisory circulars, along with UK-specific frameworks like CAP168.

• Corporate & Policy Experience: As a former CEO and board member of a public-listed company, he has experience advising boards on policy alternatives, cost-benefit analyses, and the long-term sustainability of innovative technology. 

Mark Timms’ experience is critical for bridging the gap between traditional power infrastructures and emerging solar technologies in several ways:

• Bridging Regulatory Silos: Current ICAO, EASA, and FAA frameworks are heavily weighted toward grid-connected power, UPS, and backup generators. Timms can leverage his design experience with these traditional systems to develop "solar-equivalent" reliability and performance standards that satisfy regulators while addressing the unique autonomous nature of solar AGL.

• Developing Technical Benchmarks: Having managed complex AGL design transitions, he can define technical requirements for solar power storage and autonomy that mirror the "fail-safe" expectations of traditional primary/secondary power supplies.

• Filling "Silent" Gaps: He is well-positioned to identify areas where existing regulations are silent on solar—such as specific maintenance cycles for autonomous units versus centralized circuits—and propose standards that ensure solar installations meet the same safety and photometric requirements as wired systems.

Strategic Advocacy: His background in producing feasibility studies for national aviation departments allows him to articulate the technical and economic benefits of solar AGL to global governing bodies, facilitating the official adoption of solar as a standard-compliant alternative for hardwired aeronautical ground lighting.