Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan13: In a first of its kind initiative in the entire country, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has entered into an agreement with KUNZ GmbH to manufacture, supply, commission and maintain the specialised Disabled Aircraft Recovery Equipment (DARE) for the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
The specialised Disabled Aircraft Recovery Equipment (DARE) equipment will help in enhancing the operational capabilities and reduce downtime during runway emergencies, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).
The implementation of this Equipment will make the Kempegowda International Airport, the first Airport in the Country with the capability effect recovery of disabled aircraft up to Code F category, enabling faster resumption of operations during aircraft incidents on the runways.
As part of this agreement, KUNZ GmbH agreed to jointly establish a centre for disabled aircraft recovery training with BIAL, making BLR Airport the first in the region to have such a facility. This facility will develop and expand the skill set in India.
“The acquisition of this equipment boosts Kempegowda International 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,” said Thomas Hoff Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL.
“We are delighted to partner with KUNZ GmbH for the supply for this equipment and set up a training centre that will benefit the aviation community,” Anderson added.
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 will ensure that operations, business continuity and organisational resilience remain unaffected.
“Kunz is honoured to have received this contract from BIAL to not only equip the airport with a wide range of Kunz Aircraft Recovery Products, but also enter into a strategic partnership to establish a centre of competency for aircraft recovery training in the region along with local support of Millennium Aero Dynamics,’’ said Andreas Fuge, Managing Director of KUNZ GmbH.
``Kunz offers the widest range of aircraft recovery products in the market and our equipment has proven its rugged design and easy deployment in emergency situations world over. Together with our strong partner BIAL, we will develop a competent training centre in Bengaluru to reduce the downtime of airports during recovery situations and increase awareness to avoid secondary damage to aircraft during the recovery operation,” he said.
Under the scope of this agreement, BIAL has constituted a team of Recovery Managers who will undergo extensive hands-on training 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 to respond to critical situations.
The kit, with multiple components and customised according to the BLR Airport’s requirement, will include ground preparation tools, aircraft lifting, de-bogging, tethering, towing, and all other associated aspects of both narrow- and wide-body aircraft.