A heart-warming and amazing experience occurred over this week which highlights the power and reach of blogging.

On February 4th, I wrote an article about my friend, Marcel Hungerbuehler, taking over as CEO of BIAL, the company which operates the Bengaluru International Airport. In that article was a picture of Marcel.

Two days ago, I received a comment from a lady, Marja, in the Netherlands, addressed to Marcel, wondering if he was the same person she met 40 years ago in Nijmegen.

Hello Marcel Hungerbuehler,
Are you the same Marcel from Zurich 40 years ago? I am Marja from Holland. We were walking in 1968 in Nijmegen and on a holiday together with Joke and Edi. Please contact me.

I forwarded the comment to Marcel for his perusal, instead of posting it.

Marcel responded back to me that he indeed did recognise Marja. His words sum up it best.

Thanks a lot for the mail. What a surprise that I should find a friend from Holland after almost 40years through your blog, that's amazing! I was walking a 4-day march in the Netherlands with this lady back in 1967 and then we spent a holiday together in Switzerland the year after.

Blogging generally, and Bangalore Aviation in particular, is an effort of personal passion. I am reasonably certain that helping these two friends re-unite after 40 years, would not be have possible through the mainstream media.

What is your opinion? Please post your comment. Remember this story began with a “comment”.

A quiet change took place at Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Bengaluru International Airport.

Marcel Hungerbuehler took over as CEO of BIAL on February 1st, 2009 from Albert Brunner. Prior to this, Marcel was the the company’s COO for two years.

Those inside the industry know how instrumental Marcel was, in the start-up process and the operations of the Bengaluru International Airport. From personal experience, he is a methodical, pragmatic and engaging leader, and exactly the type BIAL needs during these turbulent times.

During his 40 years in the aviation industry, Marcel has held various high level management positions including Swissair and Swissport. An aviation all-rounder, he has held positions in various functions in operations and sales and marketing. He was Swissair’s Area Manager Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, District Manager UK and Ireland and Area Manager Asia and Middle East.

Before moving to BIAL, Marcel Hungerbuehler was Head of Swissport Zurich, the largest Ground Handling Company at Zurich Airport.

Congratulations Marcel.

Former CEO, Albert Brunner, is heading for the warm climes of the Caribbean for his next posting.

After 7 years, Mr. Albert Brunner will not be extending his contract with Bengaluru International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) which comes to an end in early 2009, and will step down as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Brunner who joined BIAL as CEO in 2002 is synonymous with the new Bengaluru International Airport. He is expected to take up another overseas assignment with the Unique Airports organisation, which operates Zurich airport, and is a partner in the BIAL consortium.

BIAL Chief Operating Officer Marcel Hungerbühler, will take over as CEO on February 1, 2009.

Marcel Hungerbühler has been the Chief Operations Officer of BIAL over the last two years and was instrumental in the start-up process and the operations of the airport. He brings with him 38 years of experience from the aviation industry and has held various high level management positions with Swissair and Swissport prior to joining BIAL.

Despite my differences with Mr. Brunner, about HAL airport, knowing him for over 4 years, he is a person, I have tremendous respect and admiration for. At a Rotary club meeting I was attending, a member asked Mr. Brunner, "What has your India experience taught you ?"; after some thought, came the answer -- "Patience"

With true grit, tenacity, and patience, over the last 7 years, Albert Brunner has guided the new airport project to a reality called Bengaluru International Airport. BIAL will miss his leadership. I wish him continued success and achievements.

Marcel Hungerbühler is an equally wonderful person. Very practical, empathetic, pragmatic, cooperative, and totally down to earth; but, I caution anyone, who would think Marcel is a pushover. He is tough as they come.

Albert has built the airport, Marcel is the perfect successor to run it. Congratulations Marcel. God bless with all the success.