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BER - Berlin Brandenburg Airport

2011-12-02 Bild
2 December 2011

2011-12-02 Head_EN#3e

Yes, the TÜV – Germany’s technical inspectorate, the people generally known for renewing a car’s “MOT” roadworthiness certificate (or not, as the case may be) – is here. And no, it’s not my clapped-out Opel Kadett they’ve come to inspect, but the BER. Even airports have to go to the TÜV for their MOT. Or rather, the TÜV comes to us, since it would hardly be possible the other way round. At any rate, a few days ago eight people from TÜV Rheinland moved into their office at the airport to start testing, testing, testing – and hopefully also passing everything they test – so that operations here can take off punctually on 3 June 2012.

The job facing the TÜV team is not an easy one. They have to inspect and test all the various technical systems and interplay between all systems. Are all fire-safety facilities functioning properly? Are the extinguishers in good working order? What about the monitors at the check-in islands, the security checks, the passenger boarding bridges? Are there any little problems occurring anywhere? The TÜV inspectors put the airport through its paces with at least as much care and attention as the airport and airline employees are currently applying to the task, too. Then in early February, it will be the turn of the trial passengers to begin testing the BER.

The more flaws everyone finds early on, the better because we still have time to put things right just now. After all, we don’t want any disruptions to operations once the airport opens in just under six months’ time. For years now, my lads and I have been working so hard and so conscientiously on the construction site that I have absolutely no doubt the TÜV will be happy with the BER – which is something’s I cannot say with any certainty about my ancient Opel.