air bp launches misfueling prevention campaign at dubai air show
Air BP, a leading aviation fuel supplier, launched its Misfuelling Prevention Campaign to coincide with Dubai Air Show, where it is playing a key role. The awareness raising campaign alerts airport support staff to the dangers of misfuelling aircraft and sets out processes and procedures which can help prevent accidents.
If an Avgas-powered aircraft is inadvertently refuelled with Jet Fuel, there can be sufficient Avgas remaining in the aircraft’s fuel lines and carburettors to enable the aircraft to taxi, run up and even take off. When the Jet Fuel reaches the engine, often at a critical time during the take off, the engine can fail and cause a forced landing or worse – a crash. A similar situation can occur if Avgas is put into an aircraft which should have been refuelled with Jet Fuel. Fortunately, the consequences of this are usually less serious. However, some Jet Fuel-powered aircraft are not approved to use Avgas as an alternative fuel.
Avgas and Jet Fuel don’t mix: every year around the world a number of aircraft are misfuelled and the incorrect grade of fuel is used. Air BP was concerned at the continued reports of incidents and even aircraft crashes resulting from misfuelling.
Prasad Ayyakad, Regional Operations Manager for Air BP says “The wrong grade of fuel can be deadly. When it comes to fuel grades, never speculate. Our campaign focuses on providing users who are involved in aircraft refueling, whether refueling staff or airline engineers or pilots, six simple steps through which they can ensure that their aircraft is never misfuelled”.
Thorsten Luft, Middle East & South Asia Asset Manager, Air BP, commented “Air BP is a leading supplier of aviation fuels and service, carrying out in excess of three million refueling operations every year. We partner with our customers to ensure best practices are followed and to uphold the highest levels of safety. The Misfuelling Prevention Campaign is just one initiative that Air BP runs to share its knowledge and enhance the safety in the industry for all concerned.”
“At this year’s Dubai air show Air BP will be refueling many planes, including the A380 and private jets. It’s a busy time for the airport. We reiterate the message that when it comes to fuel grades, never speculate. Always make sure,” Luft added.
The campaign is supported by a number of eye-catching posters designed to bring home the campaign message as well as a specially created Misfuelling Prevention brochure which gives clear and concise directions on how to approach refueling safely.
