Doha, Qatar Airways has acquired for a value of US$3.2 million a transportable system kit covering a range of aircraft  recovery equipment capable of recovering all types of aircraft including the Airbus A380 aircraft . The kit is manufactured by ResQtec, a U.S. based firm with offices in the Netherlands and Malaysia. The system will be operated by Qatar Aviation Services, a fully owned subsidiary of the airline and manned by a dedicated team.

According to the Doha based airline, it is the first airline in the world to possess the complete range of equipment and system. The acquisition enables Qatar Airways to join the International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP), an organization backed by industry body, International Air Transport Association - IATA.

The usual  practice in the aviation industry, for airlines and airport operators to complete due diligence in removing a damaged or disabled aircraft from a location resulting from an incident.  

Akbar Al Baker Qatar Airways' chief executive officer said, “When we first looked to purchase a full end-to-end aircraft recovery kit, we evaluated what benefits the equipment would bring not only to Qatar Airways and Doha International Airport, but rather as an investment for the industry as a whole.

“Obtaining the equipment, fully training an entire team on utilisation and conducting exercises, is a priority for the airline and also a commitment to our passengers globally."

IATP, is a convention of airlines made up of over 100 member airlines. In the spirit of co-operation, members of the aviation industry gather twice yearly to discuss sharing of resources, reducing costs, while improving operating efficiency. Under its auspices, members share aircraft recovery kits, aircraft parts and tooling, ground handling equipment and manpower/facilities.