The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) – operator of the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru – on February 19, 2018, inducted 14 women firefighters into its Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) squad. With this, BLR Airport becomes the first Airport in the Country to have women firefighters and probably the first Asian Airport to have a female contingent of this size.
Recruited from across Karnataka, the girls are currently undergoing basic training at the BLR Airport. They will travel to Kolkata for four-month extensive training at the Airports Authority of India’s Fire Service Training Centre, beginning March 11th.
The representation of women in an Airport firefighting squad marks a significant milestone in Indian aviation – a drastic transformation in the field that has been traditionally male-dominated.
With second Runway and Terminal 2 set to become operational in 2019 and 2021, respectively, this recruitment will further strengthen the BLR Airport’s emergency preparedness.
BIAL celebrates women’s day with an all Women’s Firefighters crew at ARFF
