Bali prepares to welcome Airbus A380

Selasa, 31 Januari 2023 15:33 WIB

Documentation -- Cleaning staff in protective clothing enter the Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft to disinfect the wide-bodied jet to prevent COVID-19 transmission in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Thursday (March 5, 2020). ANTARA PHOTO/Emirates Airlines/Handout via REUTERS/hp/djo/nbl.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Transportation Ministry's Directorate General of Air Transport is preparing Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to welcome the largest passenger airliner Airbus A380.

Director General of Air Transport Maria Kristi Endah Murni stated that her agency is preparing all operational aspects needed to ensure the aircraft will be served smoothly from its landing to takeoff from the airport.

"Because of the aircraft's huge capacity and the fact that it is a full-length double-deck airliner, we need a special arrangement on the aircraft handling and equipment different from other aircraft," Murni said, as per the statement received here, Monday (January 30).

The Airbus A380, operated by Emirates, is expected to land at the airport next June.

The Region IV Bali's Airport Authority Office has coordinated with airport operator Angkasa Pura I and other stakeholders for the arrangement, she noted.

Several arrangements relevant to the ground handling plan, the jet bridge, fuel handling, customs, immigration and quarantine, aviation safety and firefighters, and pax handling, have been prepared accordingly, she expounded.

"We also need to ensure the readiness of an alternate aerodrome, the closest airport that could serve the A380 in case I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport's operations are disrupted," Murni noted.

Meanwhile, the director general affirmed that her office has prepared a team that would oversee the operational preparation and assess the standard operational procedure made by the airport operator to cater to the A380 aircraft.

Murni expressed optimism that all preparations to welcome the aircraft would be settled before June.

"We also need to ensure that all facilities are completed to ensure the flight operation and services will be safe, secure, and comfortable," Murni remarked.