South Asia’s first aircraft recovery training school comes up at KIA

BENGALURU: The Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has established South Asia’s first-of-its-kind Aircraft Recovery Training School (ARTS) in the premises of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This institution is entirely dedicated to providing specialised aircraft recovery hands-on training, equipped with state-of-the-art Disabled Aircraft Recovery Equipment (DARE).

Through a strategic partnership with KUNZ GmbH Aircraft Equipment, Germany, BIAL will offer Disabled Aircraft Recovery Training under the Trainair Plus programme recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

In the event of an aircraft mishap on the runway, swift, precise and safe recovery is paramount to restore normal airport operations. The absence of trained personnel and equipment can inadvertently lead to operational delays and even pose potential risks to the aircraft in respect of secondary damage.

The Emirates A380 superjumbo aircraft landing at Kempegowda International Airport on Friday.

Acknowledging the critical importance of aircraft recovery, BIAL’s training facility is dedicated to equipping aviation professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to such challenging situations.

Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of BIAL, said, “The establishment of the Aircraft Recovery Training School at Bengaluru Airport reflects our primary goal of elevating operational efficiency and prioritising passenger safety. As the first airport in India to acquire specialised Code F compatible aircraft recovery equipment and assemble a proficient team of recovery managers, we have made substantial advancements in enhancing our operational preparedness. Our vision is to create a world-class facility that sets new standards in aviation training, and I am confident that this will be much sought after in the region”.

Andreas Fuge, Managing Director of KUNZ GmbH, while releasing the ARTS vision statement, reiterated his commitment towards strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership with BIAL in aircraft recovery. The Aircraft Recovery Training School will serve as a central training hub, offering ICAO Trainair Plus recognised training to candidates from India, the Asia Pacific Region and beyond, in cooperation with Kunz GmbH.

Milan Zatakia, MD and Chairman of the Millennium Aerodynamics Private Limited, the Indian partner that represents KUNZ GmbH in Disabled Aircraft Recovery Systems Management and Training, said, “The vision of having a dedicated Aircraft Recovery Training School is a reassurance to the commitment of Kempegowda International Airport, beyond the mandatory compliance requirements which demonstrates how the Airport is unique from other industry peers”.

A comprehensive range of training modules will be available at ARTS, encompassing a combination of classroom sessions, one-day familiarisation training, three-day hands-on training, and advanced five-day hands-on training programs. These modules will equip trainees with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to efficiently handle aircraft recovery operations.