Roadgrip Airports has completed a major runway friction testing programme across eight airports in Cuba, supporting ECASA S.A. with essential safety data on friction measurement capability.
Over time, rubber accumulation from landing aircraft had become visibly significant across multiple runways. Without recent friction data, ECASA required a reliable assessment of runway grip levels to understand risk, ensure compliance, and plan the next stages of maintenance.
Why Runway Friction Testing Matters
Runway friction testing is a critical safety measure in aviation. It assesses the adhesion between aircraft tyres and the pavement, helping prevent slipping or skidding during landing, braking and manoeuvring – especially during rain or high humidity in the tropical Cuban climate.
As rubber builds up in touchdown zones, the runway surface becomes smoother and less able to disperse water. This can significantly reduce braking performance and directional control. Friction testing provides objective data that allows airport operators to:
For these works, Roadgrip Airports used the Findlay Irvine Grip Tester, a globally recognised device for measuring the coefficient of friction (µ) on runway surfaces.
The Grip Tester is referenced and approved in key international aviation standards (ICAO, CAP, FAA) for safe runway operation, typically ranging from 1.2 µ to 0.52 µ.
Results below this threshold indicate a loss of surface performance and trigger the need for rubber removal or surface treatment.
Eight Airports, One Coordinated Programme
The friction testing programme covered the following ECASA-managed airports:
Each runway was assessed using consistent methodology to ensure accurate, comparable results across the entire network.
From Data to Action
Once testing was complete, Roadgrip Airports delivered fully analysed results our client, along with site-specific recommendations tailored to the condition of each runway. These recommendations provide a clear roadmap for maintenance planning, identifying where rubber removal or further intervention is required to restore optimal friction levels.
This data-led approach allows airport operators to move from reactive maintenance to proactive runway safety management, improving performance while minimising operational disruption and greater, often unexpected costs in the future.
Supporting Aviation Safety Worldwide
We’re proud to help strengthen runway safety across Cuba’s aviation network, and to help lay the groundwork for the next phase of airfield maintenance across the country.
Whether through friction testing, rubber removal, or runway marking, our focus remains the same: ensuring safe, compliant, and high-performing airfield surfaces wherever we work.
Contact our UK Head Office to find out more about our runway safety and airfield maintenance services.