In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Bengaluru airport has partnered with Kunz Gmbh, a leading supplier of aircraft recovery equipment and aircraft wheel and brake servicing equipment — to develop and maintain specialised disabled aircraft recovery equipment (DARE) for the airport.
This is aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and reduce downtime during runway emergencies. Recovery of disabled aircraft up to Code F category can be done through DARE.
As per International Civil Aviation Organisation, Code F aircraft, having wingspan from 65 to 80 metres and a width of the main fuselage from 14 to 16 meters), are heavier and longer than A340-600 and B777).
The recovery will include ground preparation tools, aircraft lifting, de-bogging, tethering, towing, and all other associated aspects of both narrow- and wide-body aircraft.
As a part of this partnership, the airport will also set up a team of recovery managers who will undergo extensive training at Kunz Gmbh’s state-of-the-art recovery training facility in Germany.
In addition to this, a quick response recovery team (QRRT) will also be formed who will be equipped with technical knowledge to respond to critical situations.
Thomas Hoff Andersson, chief operating officer, Bengaluru International Airport Limited that owns and operates the airport said, “The acquisition of this equipment boosts Bengaluru Airport’s operational capability during runway emergencies.
“At a time when the aviation industry in India is growing at an unprecedented rate, this disabled aircraft recovery equipment will ensure that the impact to operations is minimal, if there is an incident on the runway.”
