Aircraft Recovery and the Importance of Preparedness for Airlines and Airports

AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS REMAINS AN ISSUE

Approximately 150 incidents of disabled aircraft occur worldwide each year, resulting in runway and airport closures that last an average of 15 hours. RESQTEC documented at least 160 incidents in 2022, averaging around 2.3 incidents per week. The longest recovery operation took a staggering 168 hours, spanning a full week. The comprehensive RESQTEC Aircraft Recovery Statistics Report 2022 provides a detailed overview of these incidents.

The data emphasizes the urgent need for preparedness in aircraft recovery operations. Waiting 24 hours or more before removing a disabled aircraft from a runway is not a viable option. The financial losses incurred and the disruptions to airline and airport operations are significant. Even though the majority of incidents fall under the category of light incidents, the average closure time of runways or airports is still 10 hours. This is primarily due to insufficient preparation, including the absence of disabled aircraft recovery plans, trained and certified staff, and the necessary equipment for swift and safe recovery operations.

Efficient and uninterrupted airline and airport operations require a proactive approach to aircraft recovery preparedness. Given that only a few aircraft operators possess the expertise and resources to handle such operations, it becomes crucial for professional airports to be well-equipped and prepared. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recognizes the shared responsibility of aircraft removal, with the aircraft operator, state, and aerodrome operator each having a role to play. In many cases, the airport operator or third-party entities are outsourced to carry out the recovery operation.

To minimize disruptions and ensure timely recovery, it is essential to be prepared. The first step is to address the following questions:

• Does your airline have an up-to-date and comprehensive "Disabled Aircraft Removal Plan"?
• Does your airline have a trained aircraft recovery team?
• Does your airline possess specialized recovery equipment or have arrangements in place to acquire it quickly?
• Does your airport maintain regular communication with relevant stakeholders, ensuring awareness of capabilities and responsibilities?

This program combines the RESQTEC Aircraft Recovery Management Course and the RESQTEC Aircraft Recovery Practical Course, providing participants with a RESQTEC certified diploma in aircraft recovery. By completing this program, participants gain up-to-date knowledge and hands-on training based on industry best practices.

Aircraft recovery operations necessitate collaboration between airlines and airports. The key is to foster open communication, extensive planning, and early preparation. By working together as a cohesive team, everyone involved can respond effectively when incidents occur.

Martijn Poen
International Sales Manager