Cost efficient fuelling
Aircraft fuelling on the D/E buffer is currently being carried out using tankers which have to cover a long distance across critical points such as subways under passenger buildings and baggage basements. However, due to the limited space and increasing volume of traffic on the airport’s roads, the risk of collision is increasing, with potentially disastrous consequences. The disadvantages of the other common method of fuelling, using an underground hydrant system, are that it is not flexible in the event that aircraft need to be shifted around and that it is expensive to lay the system under an existing platform. The aim of this project is to examine the feasibility of alternative solutions for the aircraft fuelling. Key concepts in this regard are safety, flexibility and costs.
Approach
Firstly, the current situation is analysed in order to gain a clear insight into the problems. The most important needs and requirements, arising from a legal perspective and from the operational processes amongst other things, are then listed in a systematic manner. Finally, possible concepts are generated and assessed on the basis of a number of criteria.
Results
This study will be completed in July 2007, after which the parties concerned will decide which concept they want to proceed with. The chosen concept where planes are refuelled by means of a fuel system above the ground has been financially reviewed on its feasibility it 2008. It can be put that particularly the security aspects have influenced the feasibility in a negative way.
Depending on the location, the investment costs of an alternative system will be approx. 2.5 to 4 times higher than the current underground systems.
The unfavourable outcome of the financial tests has made the relevant stakeholders decide to not further investigate future applications of the concept.
