Manama: Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is taking significant steps to further enhance runway safety, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) announced.
In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Civil Aviation Publication 111, BAC is implementing the Global Reporting Format (GRF), a globally harmonised methodology for assessing and reporting runway surface conditions.
The GRF became globally applicable in November and will help mitigate the risk of runway excursions, which are the most common cause of runway accidents. This methodology will improve runway condition reporting and notify pilots about any significant changes.
BAC Acting Chief Airport Operations Officer Hitarth Mankodi said: “The introduction of this methodology will help to ensure that Bahrain’s gateway to the world continues to operate safely and efficiently. Many airports around the world are now entering the winter season, which will provide important opportunities to review and enhance the implementation of the GRF. As a proactive member of the global airport community, BAC looks forward to sharing its findings with other airports to help refine the GRF process.”
BAC Officer – Aerodrome Safety Omar Seyadi and Manager – Airside & Landside Maintenance Saroj Jha have developed standard operating procedures, training plans, and trials, and managed all associated coordination efforts with stakeholders and the CAA to ensure that the format is implemented effectively.
Accurate and up-to-date runway condition reporting is critical to reduce the risk of runway excursions. This information allows flight crews to make informed decisions on take-off and landing conditions. Standardized reporting ensures a common language between all stakeholders. The harmonization of the assessment and reporting of runway surface conditions will not only benefit runway safety, but also operational efficiency and business sustainability.
