Austrian company delivers aircraft recovery vehicle to Munich Airport

A specialized aircraft recovery vehicle, manufactured in St. Nikolai ob Draßling, Austria, has been delivered to Munich Airport. Developed by Andreas Mühlfellner and produced by Metallbau Ferk on behalf of the Lannacher-based company CON-ACT, the device is designed to remove defective aircraft from runways.

The vehicle functions by replacing a damaged main or nose landing gear, allowing the aircraft to be transported with minimal ground pressure and reduced risk of secondary damage. This technology aims to facilitate the rapid resumption of regular flight operations following an incident.

The deployment follows a mid-August incident at Munich Airport involving a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft experienced tire damage during takeoff, causing it to veer off the runway onto a nearby field before returning to land. The incident, described by some as a near-catastrophe, highlighted the necessity for efficient recovery systems to prevent prolonged operational disruptions.