India’s Bengaluru airport in pact with KUNZ GmbH for disabled aircraft recovery equipment

January 14, 2020: India’ Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) 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 implementation of DARE will make Kempegowda the first airport in the country with the capability effect recovery of disabled aircraft up to Code F category, enabling the faster resumption of operations during aircraft incidents on the runways.

“The acquisition of this equipment boosts BLR 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 Andersson, 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,” he added.

Disabled aircraft on the runway has 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. 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,” said Andreas Fuge, MD of KUNZ GmbH.

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.