To enable faster resumption of operations during aircraft incidents on the runways, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here has installed a Disabled Aircraft Recovery Equipment (DARE).
The KIA is the first airport in India to get this runway emergency handling capability.
The Kunz GmbH-manufactured recovery kit was virtually inaugurated and commissioned on Tuesday by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Hari Marar.
The transportable kit, says a BIAL spokesperson, is capable of recovering all aircraft, including the world’s largest passenger airplane Airbus A380, from the runway in the wake of an incident. This will ensure that the runway closure time is minimised.
Disabled aircraft on the runway could potentially 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,” the spokesperson adds.
In 2020, the 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 the BIAL to establish a centre for disabled aircraft recovery training, making the KIA the first in the region to have such a facility.
The BIAL has constituted a task force that will undergo extensive hands-on training — both at the KIA and at Kunz GmbH’s recovery training facility in Germany. Additionally, a Quick Response Recovery Team will be formed and imparted with technical knowledge, enabling them to respond to critical situations.
The kit, with multiple components, and customised according to the KIA’s requirement, includes ground preparation tools, aircraft lifting, de-bogging, tethering, towing, and all other associated aspects of both narrow- and wide-body aircraft.
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