Global engineering group, Cavotec MSL, has received a landmark order to install 53 advanced fuel hydrant systems and related materiel at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) as part of the airport’s modernisation programme.

“This project is a major breakthrough for Cavotec in India, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the customer, and to providing expert training and support,” says Nicklas Pihl, Managing Director of Cavotec India.

Cavotec is to supply 44 hydrant pits, including Cavotec Dabico Cla-Val hydrant valves, and nine DAB-24 pits for low point drains and high point vents. Low point drain pits remove non-fuel fluids and other contaminants that can accumulate in aircraft fuel pipelines. Deliveries are due for completion in early August.
 
CSIA, formerly Sahar International Airport, currently handles more than 25 million passengers annually, and is served by international carriers such as Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways and Cathay Pacific. CSIA is also a domestic hub for several Indian airlines including Air India, Blue Dart Aviation, Kingfisher, GoAir, Indian Airlines, IndiGo, Jet Airways, JetLite and SpiceJet.

The fuel hydrant systems project is one element in the first phase of a two-stage expansion programme at the airport. Launched in 2006, the improvements are designed to meet booming demand in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. The plans include a new terminal, a new air traffic control system and new taxiways and upgrades of existing terminals.

Designed by SOM Architects, the new terminal will cover more than 4.8 million square feet, and will have the capacity to handle some 40 million passengers annually when fully operational. The new terminal is due to open in 2013. The terminal will have one gate configured to receive the A380 aircraft and a further two gates will be readily adaptable for the A380.