With all passenger flights in India being cancelled from March 25 till at least May 3, and most international airlines operating at less than their capacity, thousands of aircraft across the world are grounded.
Airlines in India have a combined fleet strength of over 650 aircraft. These aircraft have to be preserved and looked after so that they are ready to fly as and when the lockdowns are lifted.
Preserving aircraft while they are grounded is not a simple task like covering them with tarpaulin. Instead, both the interiors and exteriors of the aircraft need to be looked after. The preservation requires manpower, specific equipment, materials, and tools. Different types of general and specific protection covers are available, which may require use of different trestles, scissor lifts, and cherry pickers for installation.
Some tender loving care
John Walker, Head Maintenance, Qantas, in a statement, says that all aircraft are given some TLC (tender loving care) before being put to bed. “And even while they are asleep there is a lot of work to do,” he adds.
According to D Anand Bhaskar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Air Works, a company in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) space for over seven decades, the preservation steps to be taken differ between the narrow-body and wide-body aircraft and also the duration of the grounding.
He adds that preservation of aircraft also depends on whether an aircraft is inside the hangar or on the ramp. If parked outside, the exteriors need to be protected against high winds and adverse weather conditions. Given that most airports are not built for holding aircraft (for extended periods of time) they are also parked on the ramp, making this aspect important.
Cleaning the interiors
Denne historien er fra April 29, 2020-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 29, 2020-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Covid Presents An Opportunity For India
India must attract investors exiting China post-Covid. Streamlining of project clearances and relaxation in FRBM norms will help
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses
How To Put Aircraft To Bed
Preserving grounded planes, to get them up and flying at short notice, is a challenging task. Ashwini Phadnis captures the process
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate
Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India
Compared to Italy and the US, India’s rate of infection spread has been slow. This can be attributed to the strict measures in place
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls