Mumbai Airport gears up for Kingfisher’s gentle giant

Mumbai: The Mumbai airport is gearing up to tailor the airport infrastructure to meet the specific takeoff, landing and parking requirements of the A380. Kingfisher Airlines will be the first domestic airline to start operating the A380 in India in 2011. Mumbai airport is amongst the 60 airports worldwide that are preparing for commercial operation of the A380.
An official from the Airport Authority of India says that International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has laid down aircraft-specific operational recommendations to accommodate large aircraft like the A380. Recently, a series of tests with Airbus technical personnel ensured the city airport’s compatibility with the A380. Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) officials inform that the A380 will be parked in the main apron area at the international terminal which will be connected through an aerobridge with Terminal 2A. A Follow-Me vehicle with support staff from Airbus will be provided to escort aircraft to the parking bay, once the aircraft commences it operations in 2011. Runway inspections will be carried out after landing and take-off of the aircraft.
An extensive watering programme will be deployed before landing and departure to ensure that graded areas along the runway are damp in order to prevent any dust damaging the aircraft. Additional fire and rescue staff shall also be deployed at the airport.
21/05/07 Shaheen Mansuri/Financial Express

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Categories: Airports May 2007, Kingfisher May 2007, New May 2007