The 'Open Access Model' Fuel Farm

This article focuses on India's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Located in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, the airpor is the first in India to replace the conventional system of trucks re-fueling aircraft parked in the airport apron area. At most airports, trucks are essential to carrying fuel to the aircraft. However, Rajiv Gandhi International has developed an 'Open Access Model' which allows any oil company authorized by the Indian government and having a valid contract with the airline companies to supply aircraft with Jet A1 fuel (ATF). Rajiv Gandhi International's aviation fuel system is adopted from a similar system currently in use by airports in Hong Kong. The system is comprised of a tank farm, a refueler calibration area, a hydrant system, and an aviation fuel receiving facility. Each airline served by Rajiv Gandhi International has access to ATF through a hydrant system (with 42 hydrant dispensers) that connects storage tanks to the apron via underground pipes. The author notes that one advantage to this system is the avoidance of duplication in both infrastructure and equipment, due to the presence of a common fuel carrier and low infrastructure costs based on economies of scale. As an 'Open Access Model,' competition increases as overall costs are reduced, which in turn lowers the barrier of entry for new service providers. The author also notes that the adoption of the new fueling system has been well received by the international air community.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/37505394
• Authors:
  • Swami, Rajgopal
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 32-33
• Serial:
  • International Airport Review
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Russell Publishing Limited
  • ISSN: 1366-6339
  • Serial URL: http://www.russellpublishing.com/pages/airport/airport1.html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft; Airlines; Aprons (Airports); Aviation fuels; Equipment; Infrastructure; Refueling; Storage tanks
• Identifier Terms: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fueling stations; Open access
• Geographic Terms: India
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Energy; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01103430
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 24 2008 7:49AM