Qatar Airways is holding its 12th annual simulated Disabled Aircraft Recovery (QDAR) Exercise on a grounded Airbus A340-600 aircraft using the airline’s state-of-the-art Aircraft Recovery Kit, at Doha International Airport from February 28 to March 4.

Qatar Airways is the only airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate the equipment, and one of just 12 International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP) member global airlines to operate the kit which is capable of lifting the equivalent weight of up to Airbus A380, one of the largest commercial passenger aircraft in existence.

Manufactured by Dutch rescue and recovery equipment provider, Resqtec, the innovative Aircraft Recovery Kit complies with ICAO IATA rules and regulations and uses a complex system of airbags, slings and jacks to winch a disabled aircraft to safety following an emergency incident.

The Qatar Airways kit has already been used in one regional aircraft recovery to date and annual simulation exercise ensures that the skillset of the QDAR team, which is primarily made up of members of the airline’s Technical department and ground services subsidiary, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) remain current in the event of a crisis.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker said, “Qatar Airways is at the forefront of enhancing global aviation safety with our commitment to investing in the highest standards of recovery equipment and comprehensive training for industry professionals.

“As the only airline to own and operate an Aircraft Recovery Kit in the Middle East and Africa regions within IATP group, this innovative technology is an asset not only for Qatar Airways and the entire commercial aviation industry throughout the region and beyond.”