MIAL sure of smooth transition at T2

T2 has a joint control centre for better co-ordination between airlines, airport staff and ground handlers

Barely a few hours to go before operations of the airport here shift to the new T2 terminal. GVK group’s Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) is carrying out last-minute trials, familiarisation rounds and checks of all processes to ensure a smooth transition. In all nearly 90 trials were done to test the preparedness involving 6,000 volunteers and staff. “We have factored as many as 232 scenarios while carrying out trials,” said Tim Hawley, in charge of trials. These could related to medical emergencies or system failures.

Frank Mcrorie, director of operations at the airport, said: “We are confident all systems will work as planned.” Mcrorie said his team had studied experiences of other airports and worked to ensure a glitch-free opening. Apart from the trials to familiarise nearly 14,000 airport personnel, the T2 has a joint control centre for better co-ordination among airlines, airport staff and ground handlers.

The control centre has video walls and is connected to airport systems. Meenakshi Agrawal, Vice President, (information technology), MIAL, said: “This is a first step towards collaborative decision making at the airport.”