GMR Infrastructure subsidiary DIAL hosts Airbus A380

GMR Infrastructure Ltd has announced that GMR Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL) added another feather to its cap, when it hosted the Airbus A380 on May 06, 2007 morning. History was created, when the world's largest passenger aircraft, touched down at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1050 hrs. This was soon after the dream aircraft had taken a ceremonial fly past over the airport to the delight of huge crowds and media gathered to see the aircraft around the airport.

Upon reaching the parking bay, the pilot of A380 waved the Indian flag to the cheering crowd comprising employees of DIAL, Kingfisher Airlines, Airbus and other associates.

Delhi Airport became the first airport in India and amongst the select few in Asia to host this gargantuan aircraft. The aircraft which is visiting India on a test cum promotional visit for Airbus and Kingfisher Airlines, flew into Delhi from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France.

The Delhi Airport is currently among very few airports in India, capable of handling the aircraft. By 2008, Delhi Airport will be able to handle commercial flights of the A380 with the commissioning of its new Code F runway.

Construction of a world class integrated passenger terminal (Terminal 3) is also underway at Delhi, and will be commissioned in 2010. This terminal will cater to both international and domestic traffic. With this terminal, DIAL will set a benchmark for airports across the world as it promises to cater to 90% or more passengers through Aerobridges. Terminal 3 would feature 55 contact stands for aircraft out of which 6 would be capable of handling the A380.

The A380 will be in Delhi from May 06th- May 08th, 2007, for airport compatibility trials and demonstration flights. Kingfisher Airlines, the aircraft's first customers in India will be organizing the demonstration flights.

Interestingly, The runway at GMR Hyderabad Airport Ltd, DIAL's sister airport at Hyderabad, being developed by GMR Group will have a runway that will perhaps be India's first Code F complaint, ready to host wide bodied aircraft commercially in early 2008.

Source : Equity Bulls

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