Refueling while passengers are on board is one of the most curious and misunderstood operations in aviation. This application can be carried out safely by fully applying the necessary safety measures, when the relevant country’s civil aviation regulations, airport rules and the airline’s ground operation procedures allow.
While you are settling into your seat or loading your cabin baggage, the refueling operation may be continuing below the plane. This is one of the standard operations planned and managed in accordance with established safety procedures.
So how is this operation carried out safely?
– Approval and coordination: The refueling operation does not start until the approval process defined in the relevant airline’s ground operation procedures is completed.
– Continuous communication: Throughout the operation, two-way communication is maintained between the cockpit and the refueling team via the headset. Thus, operational developments can be managed instantly.
– Operational safety: Cabin and ground operations are coordinated in a way that does not hinder a possible evacuation. Emergency evacuation routes and exits are kept available at all times.
– Field security: Depending on the rules of the airport where the operation is carried out, ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) teams are informed and are present in the operation area or at a preparedness level that can intervene in a short time when necessary. In any situation that may affect safety, the operation is stopped.
Refueling is not just about fuel transfer. It is a coordinated process in which many stakeholders, from pilots to ground operation teams, from cabin personnel to RFF teams, act within the same safety culture and operational discipline.
As Turkish Fuel Services, we carry out each fuel supply operation with the understanding of safety, discipline, coordination and operational excellence, in line with the operational requirements of the relevant authorities, airport operators and our airline partners at the airport where we operate.
