In a major technical upgrade aimed at enhancing passenger safety and operational resilience, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday  became the first airport in Asia to commission the ‘Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit’ (DARK) to help stranded aircraft.

The DARK facility comprises high pressure lifting bags of superior durability but requiring minimal manpower and providing a more efficient aircraft recovery process compared with the conventional low-pressure counterparts.

Weighing a maximum weight of 390 tonnes, DARK can quickly recover large commercial and transport aircraft including the world’s biggest aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, and others that may be involved in runway excursions or other incidents.

“Runway excursion”, a scenario where aircraft unintentionally veers off or overruns the runway during take-off or landing, is a critical concern in aviation that requires swift and meticulous intervention to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft, and airport operations.

A remarkable addition to CSMIA's infrastructure, DARK empowers the airport to respond to such scenarios with unparalleled precision and efficiency, hence minimizing disruptions and reducing the impact on travellers.

Operating with a single crossover runway, CSMIA can use the DARK facility with High pressure kit to the best of its capabilities for faster movement & deployment, restoring runway operations while protecting the aircraft.

The recovery process encompasses a meticulous sequence of steps, from ground preparation to aircraft lifting, de-bogging, and towing. Furthermore, the compact design of the equipment enhances its transportability, allowing rescuers to reach crash sites swiftly and effectively.