News report: “Authorities confirmed that following an off runway incident that occurred at 10:20 local, the airport will be closed until the aircraft can be recovered.“
The pressure is on, a runway is closed and incoming aircraft are being diverted. A solution is needed straight away. These kind of situations can happen at any airport around the world. A good preparation and planning are required to reduce the impact and to resume safe operations as soon as possible.
An average of two to three aircraft cause runway interruptions around the globe on a weekly basis. Some of these runway incidents have kept the affected airport’s operations closed for almost a week. These numbers are reason enough to investigate how an aircraft recovery plan can turn a major incident into a minor headache for you.
Only when the aircraft is removed and the runway is reopened for incoming and departing flights, the runway once again generates profits for the airport.
Investigations established that the duration of a runway closure is determined by three parameters: A working recovery plan and trained personnel are needed in addition to adequate and sufficient recovery equipment.
The cost resulting from a single instance of having to recover a demobilized aircraft are astronomical and are, contrary to the aircraft, non-recoverable. Even seemingly minor incidents create major challenges and could cause airport operations to come to a halt. Regardless of the complexity of the situation, losses for the airports and airlines can quickly run into the millions, making the safe and speedy removal of the demobilized aircraft essential.
This group of professionals meets periodically each year and take on a variety of specific issues relating to effective aircraft recovery operations. In 2008 ARTF, the Aircraft Recovery Tasks Force, completed a number of milestones by delivering an analysis and recommendations for equipment packages for the A-380.
The ARTF comprises experts from airports, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, recovery specialists, and tooling manufacturers. The ARTF provides guidance concerning aircraft recovery. They form collaborations with OEMs to develop practical and safe aircraft recovery procedures that minimize both secondary damage to the aircraft structure as well as exposure to health and safety risks. The ARTF also cooperates with equipment manufacturers and makes recommendations for the development of new recovery tools.
The leading airlines maintain aircraft recovery kits and personnel to deal with demobilized aircraft recovery incidents. Many other airlines have access to recovery equipment through their membership in the International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP). It is however frequently the case that once an incident has occurred, it is extremely difficult to arrange the timely deployment of this equipment to the affected airport. IATP members currently have 12 of these recovery kits available at strategic locations around the world. These stand ready to be airlifted to the scene of an accident. A recent addition has been Qatar Airways, with a brand new kit capable of handling the Airbus A380.
| Airline | Kit Location | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | Paris - Orly | Europe 1 & 2 |
| Air India | Mumbai | Middle East & Indian subcontinent |
| American Airlines | Chicago O‘Hare Los Angeles |
North America central North America western |
| British Airways | London - Heathrow | Europe 1 & 2 |
| Delta | New York JFK | North America eastern |
| Japan Airlines | Tokyo - Narita | Asia eastern |
| Qantas | Sydney | Australia |
| Qatar | Doha | Middle East & Indian subcontinent |
| South African Airways | Johannesburg | Africa |
| TAM | Sao Paulo | South America |
| United Airlines | Honolulu | North Pacific |
source: IATP
Luckily, most airports never have to participate in the recovery of a large commercial airplane that has run off the runway, is buried in mud with broken landing gear, or even worse. At most airports around the world, recovery operations are the responsibility of the operator of the affected aircraft. It is however in the airport’s best interest to assist in a speedy recovery and resume normal flight operations as soon as possible.
The increasing occurrence of recovery incidents and the awareness of great financial losses cause a growing number of airport operators to realize the potential financial ramifications of a demobilised aircraft incident. The need to develop their own ‘organic’ recovery capability and to support the airlines in their recovery efforts is becoming apparent. An increasing number of airports is now in the process of setting up their own Airport Recovery Teams as well as equipment.
Quick and decisive action is crucial for the effective recovery of demobilized aircraft. Boeing for example provides comprehensive, integrated local assistance in the recovery of a demobilized or damaged Boeing airplane wherever in the world it is located. Requests for assistance are directed to Boeing Field Service representatives. The recovery support includes diagnosis, repairs, logistics, parts procurement, certification issues, and other services as required for the specific recovery situation at hand. Boeing’s goal is to assist the airline operator in returning the aircraft to service with as little disruption to the airline’s schedules as possible.
Our objective is to enable the recovery of aircraft without causing any secondary damage and to clear runways and taxiways in order to keep ongoing flight operations on schedule. Airlines and airports are recommended to be prepared and have the necessary equipment ready for deployment:
