Transporting an Airbus 310 from Hanover Airport to Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen
How do you move a decommissioned Airbus 310 that can no longer fly from one location to another? By commissioning Universal Transport, a member of GRUBER Logistics.
Serengeti Park Hodenhagen purchased the decommissioned aircraft with the vision, spearheaded by CEO Fabrizio Sepe, of converting it into a unique on-site restaurant, providing visitors with an extra attraction.
Logistical Challenges
As an out-of-gauge load of immense proportions, the initial planning faced significant challenges:
- Initial Standstill: Lacking appropriate operational management, the aircraft remained stranded at Hanover Airport, generating high parking fees.
- Environmental Constraints: The planned route from the airport to the park passed through two nature reserves, presenting a strict permitting hurdle.
The Solution by Universal Transport – GRUBER Logistics
Specialising in heavy, exceptional, and out-of-gauge transport, the teams at Universal Transport and GRUBER Logistics structured the operation in phases:
-
Dismantling and Phase One Transport: The two wings (26 metres long, 8.10 metres wide, and 4.40 metres high) and the lateral interconnection system were detached from the fuselage and transported along the A7 motorway. The operation deployed escort vehicles and eight Hanover traffic police patrols.
-
Precision Manoeuvres: Along narrower secondary roads, a mobile crane was required to lift the load, thereby preventing damage to the surrounding vegetation.
Current Status and Next Steps
With the wings and lateral controls delivered to the destination, the Airbus fuselage (measuring 5.64 metres in diameter) remains to be moved.
Currently, the City of Hanover has not yet granted final approval due to the potential risk of damaging 8 trees along a 2-kilometre section. While Serengeti Park management pursues legal avenues to resolve the situation, the logistics team is outlining an alternative route using inland waterways.