Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Delhi Airport:Asia"s Best Prepared Airport To Handle Fog

L-R: Marcel Hungerbuehler,COO, Dr. R.K Jenamani,IMD & I Prabhakar Rao,CEO 


On 28 Nov,2014 Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) had a work shop on Fog Preparedness as the chilling winter along with Fog is about to set in Northern Part of India.The event was quite an insight about How DIAL is better prepared than last year. I Prabhakar Rao, CEO DIAL & Marcel Hungerbuehler shared how DIAL is better equipped than ever before to provide a seamless experience to guests.

Key Points:-

·         Delhi Airport-Collaborative Decision Making (DA-CDM) completes two years
·         Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) cell to function inside AOCC
·         Runway 10/28 to have redundancy in the form of additional RVR transmitters
·         New localizers added
·         Backup radar fully integrated into system
·         2000 more chairs for passenger convenience
·         Over 7,000 trolleys in service
·         Deployment of increased manpower for housekeeping
·         Additional helpdesks for fog related queries

New Delhi, November 28th, 2014: Ahead of the fog season, operator of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL) has made all necessary arrangements to minimize inconvenience to passengers and ensure continuity of flight operations during Low Visibility Period.

Speaking on the preparedness DIAL CEO, Mr. I PrabhakaraRao said,“The Delhi Airport Collaborative Decision Making (DA-CDM) supported us very well last year. Unlike previous years, the system enabled us to recover much faster at the time of flight disruption during low visibility condition. A DA-CDM LVP (Low Visibility Procedures) Cell has also been positioned inside Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC). This new system resulted in saving of XX fuel last year.”

DA-CDM is a concept focusing on improving Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management at airports by reducing delays, improving the predictability of events and optimizing the utilization of resources. It involves airport operators, airlines, ground handlers and ATC collaborating and sharing data through automated system to increase overall airport efficiency. It will enable optimum utilization of ATC resources, runways/taxiways etc. resulting in reduced workload of controllers, minimum ground delays, reduced radio telephony congestion and increased level of safety.

“Installation of back up RVR transmitters, new localizer and integration of radar with the existing one would immensely support the flight landing & take offs when the visibility falls. To reduce delays and congestion due to fog, we have devised a plan that would ensure smooth flow of flight information, almost on real time basis, to the passengers,” added DIAL CEO, Mr. I PrabhakaraRao.

The three runways 28, 29 and 11 at the IGI Airport are certified for CAT III B operations, which would allow landing of the compliant aircrafts.

Speaking on the arrangements, Mr. M C Dangi said, “Air Traffic in India and at IGI Airport, Delhi is growing at a rapid pace but presence of state of the art infrastructure and support from all stakeholders especially the airport operator DIAL has helped us immensely during the last fog period. If the launch of Delhi Airport-Collaborative Decision Making (DA-CDM) was the game changer last year, this year we hope to accelerate with the introduction of redundancy measures taken for the RVR equipment. The challenges faced during last fog season, provided us new opportunities to review not only the existing procedures but also the infrastructure requirements at Delhi Airport. Under the leadership of the DGCA, AAI, IMD, DIAL and all other stakeholders are taking additional measures to ensure a hassle free service to the air passengers during this winter.”

The facilities available at T3 and T1D during this fog season are aimed at not just providing the passengers timely information but also to offer them all possible amenities supported by modern infrastructure. The overall highlights of DIAL’s readiness for the fog season are as follows:-

Passenger Terminals- T3, T-1D and T1C
·  Ensure 100% availability of FIDS system
·  Display Met information at MATVs inside Terminals
·  Frequent updates to passengers/visitors on ETDs & ETAs
·  Four additional conspicuous helpdesks are installed at entry gates where information on cancellations and delays will be displayed
·  Dynamic deployment of Terminal Operations staff at critical positions to guide passengers and provide information
·  Additional F & B counters are provided for passengers with the intent of ensuring adequate supplies (including in Piers).  In Domestic and International Piers each two locations.
·  Seating arrangements have been enhanced
·  All airlines are briefed for deployment of additional staff for appropriate manning of Check-in counters / Boarding gate areas during fog situation.
·  Adequate number of trolleys and trolley pushers:
o    Additional seating capacity has been provided in the terminal building
o    Total trolleys available (T1&T3) is 7075
o    Sufficient F&B outlets available
o    Ensure 100% availability of FIDS system, with continuously updated information
o    Cleanliness of the toilets and the terminals will be ensured during fog through deployment of additional manpower
·   Dedicated Senior Team will be available during the LVP period]]
City Side
·  Tow Crane is kept ready for smooth traffic flow
·  Additional Traffic Marshals are deployed for smooth taxi flow during fog
·  Adequate lighting is provided in the Car Parking
·  Airport Patrol Vehicles fitted with PA system, Radio Sets and Beacons
·  Terminal 1 to have one more radio taxi operator-Meru
·  The complete Airport road network is distinctly & clearly painted with Retro reflective paints with Glass beads for better visibility.
·  All the signage’s have retro reflective tapes of high quality which gives better directional control for the driver.
·  The road edges have road studs which reflect & emit lights.
·  All U-Turns have adequate chevrons & road studs to give a distinct clarity of the edges.
·  The LUX levels of all electrical poles are maintained for better road visibility.
·  Reflective tapes are fixed on all electrical poles.
·  There are Go slow Led barriers on required barriers.
·  No vehicles are allowed to park on the roads. Our 24x7 patrolling by the bikers keeps on removing vehicles parked on the roads.
Airside
·       Runway 10/28 has a backup RVR system to maintain redundancy for the first time at any Indian Airport
·       Runways 11/29 has 5 sets of RVR equipment, which support aircraft to utilize full length of Asia’s longest runway
·       Runways 28, 29 & 11 at IGI Airport are certified for CAT III B operations, which allow compliant aircraft and trained pilots to land even when the runway visibility is down to 50 meters
·       148 parking stands are equipped with Aeronautical ground lighting system which helps Aircraft to operate in CAT IIIB conditions
·       As pilot has limited view from the cockpit, Follow me service is provided to facilitate Aircraft movement. Trained professionals are deputed for follow me service
·       TAXIWAY guidance lights suitable for Low visibility Operation
·       Crash Fire tender are deployed at critical position during all Low visibility operation to respond to any emergency
Online information
DIAL's website, www.newdelhiairport.in, will provide the following services:
·  Live Flight Information
·  Online Cab booking
·  Meta search facility for hotel and airline booking
·  Interactive airport maps
·  Weather forecast (with extended search of 04 days)
·  Worldwide weather forecast
IGIA live on Social media:
Dedicated page on Facebook as: https://www.facebook.com/DelhiAirport, Twitter handle as @Delhi_Airport and m.newdelhiairport.in for the mobile users
Other Initiatives
· Regular Updation on Flight Information Display Screens.
· IGI Airport has its 24x7 call centre (0124-3376000).
· Special training given to airport staff


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