Runway emergency handling capabilities at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport) received a boost with the installation of Disabled Aircraft Recovery Equipment. This makes BLR Airport the first in India and South Asia to own the state-of-the-art kit that will enable faster resumption of operations during aircraft incidents on the runways.
The Kunz GmbH-manufactured recovery kit was virtually inaugurated and commissioned by Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL, in the presence of Andreas Fuge, MD, Kunz Gmbh, Milan R Zatakia, MD & Chairman, Millennium Aero Dynamics.
Marar said, “The acquisition of this aircraft recovery equipment is an important milestone for us at BLR Airport. Being prepared is the key to running a high-performance airport. This is not only important for the Airport, but also for the entire aviation ecosystem as a whole.”
The transportable kit is capable of recovering the world’s largest passenger aircraft, Airbus A380, in addition to all other aircraft during an aircraft incident on the runway, ensuring that runway closure is minimised. Disabled aircraft on the runway have the potential to cripple airport operations, resulting in flight delays, diversions and loss of revenue for both airlines as well as airport operators. The effective recovery of all types of disabled aircraft in the movement area addresses key risks and ensures that operations, business continuity and organisational resilience remain unaffected.
In 2020, BIAL signed an agreement with Kunz GmbH to manufacture, supply, commission and maintain the specialised equipment. As part of this agreement, KUNZ GmbH will work with BIAL to establish a centre for disabled aircraft recovery training, making BLR Airport the first in the region to have such a facility.
Under the scope of this agreement, BIAL has constituted a Task Force that will undergo extensive hands-on training – both at BLR Airport as well as at KUNZ GmbH’s state-of-the-art recovery training facility in Germany. Additionally, a Quick Response Recovery Team (QRRT) will be formed and imparted with technical knowledge, enabling them to respond to critical situations.
The kit, with multiple components, and customised according to BLR Airport’s requirement, includes ground preparation tools, aircraft lifting, de-bogging, tethering, towing, and all other associated aspects of both narrow- and wide-body aircraft.
