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ProFlo Industries acquires Garsite and Progress Tank

ProFlo Industries resizedProFlo Industries has acquired aviation refuelling equipment supplier Garsite and portable restroom vacuum equipment supplier Progress Tank in an equity deal.

Progress Tank has manufactured truck-mounted equipment used in the refined fuel, heating oil and liquid waste industries, specialising in vacuum and fuel delivery trucks since 1922.

Garsite was established in 1952, manufacturing and assembling aircraft refuellers and hydrant dispensers for in-to-plane fuelling companies, oil companies, airlines, freight distribution companies and fuel marketers.

Global Aviation Services, doing business as ProFlo Industries is a subsidiary of PrimeFlight Aviation Services, which supplies aircraft refuelling equipment including new and refurbished refuellers, bowsers, hydrant dispensers, hydrant carts, fuelling ladders, fuelling skids, floating suctions, storage systems and aviation fuelling modules.

Dan Bucaro, President and CEO of PrimeFlight Aviation Services, said: “Together, we will be able to deliver a wider range of quality refuelling and ground service equipment, an expanded inventory of stock equipment and parts, faster turnaround times, a larger maintenance network, and added engineering support.”

Teresa Montgomery, Vice President of Garsite, who will remain with the business, said: “The support and resources we will gain from the ProFlo team with their newly expanded manufacturing facility within the free trade zone of Barranquilla, Colombia will allow us to better scale our business and meet global demand.”

ACT provides TractEasy EZTow with chargers

ACT charges TractEasy EZTow resizedAdvanced Charging Technologies (ACT) has added outdoor autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) to the products it serves by supporting TractEast EZTow operations in the USA and France.

Integrating ACT Quantum charging technology into autonomous vehicle deployment offers users reliable and efficient charging and provides the analytics necessary for optimising charging needs.

The TractEasy EZTow is used at airports and industrial sites in baggage, cargo and material logistics flow.

It will benefit from ACT’s charging solution expertise in the USA and France.

ACT says combining its charging technology with autonomous vehicles such as EZTow is a milestone for transforming material handling.

Michael Nelson, President of ACT, said: “These recent deployments underscore our dedication to advancing the electric autonomous vehicle landscape, offering a seamless and efficient intelligent charging experience for users of autonomous towing services.”

Rich Reno, CEO of TractEasy, added: “ACT chargers have provided necessary operational capability to our large customers with the added benefit of having one supplier capable of supporting deployments around the world which provides the global consistency for our large multinational customers.”

China Cargo picks WFS to handle Miami freighter flights

China Cargo Airlines is extending its relationship with Worldwide Flight Services??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????, a member of the SATS Group, in North America with a new handling contract to mark the start of the first services by a Chinese airline to Miami.

The airline will launch three Boeing 777 freighter flights a week to Miami in January 2024 from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. China Cargo has awarded WFS a three-year contract to handle its cargo, including high volumes of e-commerce traffic, perishables, seafood and general cargo.

WFS has supported China Cargo’s growth in Los Angeles since 2006. It now handles 18 freighter services a week for China Cargo in LAX. The airline also partnered with WFS again in November 2022 when it commenced all-cargo services to New York JFK, now served by seven freighter flights per week.

The handling partnership also extends to Seattle, a technical stop for China Cargo flights. WFS has provided ground handling for more than 20 flights between Pudong and Seattle every week for the previous 10 years, as well as an extra 30 to 50 charter services annually during the peak season for cherry exports.

“WFS is proud to be a trusted and growing partner of China Cargo Airlines, testament to the reliability of our freighter and cargo handling services in North America. We greatly value the loyalty of China Cargo Airlines to our warehouse and ramp operations.

“In fact, this year we celebrate our 25th anniversary of supporting China Eastern/China Cargo and its clients, which began in 1998 with our first contract in Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). As the airline’s flight frequencies and network expand, we are confident that our collaboration will lead to further growth prospects in the future,” said Jose Canales, Senior Vice President, Commercial & Business Development, Americas, at WFS.

De-Ice and Air Canada to trial chemical-free de-icing

De-Ice partners with Air Canada resizedDe-Ice has named Air Canada as its first customer to use its electromagnetic technology to de-ice aircraft more sustainably.

The technology will be used on Airbus A320-family with tape-like strips attached to the exterior of the aircraft, which connect to the proprietary electronics inside the aircraft.

When activated by the pilot, the system generates high-frequency current, causing electrons on the surface of the aircraft to jiggle, generating heat, melting snow and ice during the boarding process so the aircraft is ice-free and ready for take-off by the time it is pulled back from the gate.

The De-Ice system uses a semi-conductor called gallium nitride to generate a high-frequency current using devices that weigh an order of magnitude less than traditional equipment.

De-Ice says before gallium nitride, transistors capable of generating high-frequency current were made of silicon, which is too inefficient to be used for this application.

The technology means aircraft can be de-iced without using de-icing fluids and it reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Alexander Bratianu-Badea, Co-Founder of De-Ice, said: “De-Ice is proud to introduce our product to the world with Air Canada. Flight delays and the excess carbon emissions caused by chemical-based de-icing will be a thing of the past.”

Murray Strom, Senior Vice President Flight Operations and Maintenance at Air Canada, added: “Not only will De-Ice technology be positive for our customers by reducing delays related to the conventional method of aircraft ice removal, but the environmental benefits of chemical-free de-icing and associated lower fuel consumption are in line with Air Canada’s commitment to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.”

Mercury GSE places historic order with JBT AeroTech

Mercury GSE resizedMercury GSE has placed a large order for GSE with JBT AeroTech, the largest order for GSE since the end of the pandemic.

The order consists of a range of GSE products including pushback tractors, cargo loaders, air conditioning units, heating systems and more.

The companies say the solutions will contribute to smoother, more efficient air cargo operations and improve the safety and reliability of ground handling processes.

They say the strategic relationship will help airports and airlines to streamline their ground operations, reduce operational costs, improve the passenger experience and support green initiatives by offering state-of-the-art, energy-efficient equipment.

Jason Gendron, CEO of Mercury GSE, said: “As the aviation sector rebounds from the pandemic, our investment in the latest GSE technology underscores our commitment to supporting our customers and partners with the most advanced solutions available.”

Christian Eitner, Region Director of JBT AeroTech, added: “We’re honoured to be part of your journey and remain committed to customer success. This milestone reaffirms our strong collaboration, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to serve the GSE industry.”

Waev secures financing to drive EV growth

Bigfoot2Waev Inc has secured a new Asset-Based Lending (ABL) facility from J.P. Morgan to fund the growth of GEM, Tiger and Taylor-Dunn electric vehicles (EVs) into the future.

The working capital will further energise Waev’s forward momentum and allow for new products to be brought to market at scale to meet growing customer demands for the company’s EV solutions.

Waev offers a portfolio of personal, business and industrial-use EV solutions, such as Taylor-Dunn Bigfoot utility vehicles, GEM low-speed vehicles and Tiger Tractors, as well as new innovations like Tiger Repower EV conversion kits, GEM Solar Panels and the Bigfoot Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) burden carrier.

“J.P. Morgan is working to provide capital to grow key industries across the green economy,” said Julia Grinshpun, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Green Economy Banking. “We’re proud to support Waev and the work they are doing to deploy a range of EVs, which will help advance decarbonisation and grow local economies.”

“As a leading global bank with a division driven to advance the clean mobility movement, J.P. Morgan is the right partner for Waev,” said Keith Simon, CEO, Waev Inc. “Being a part of their Green Economy portfolio aligns strongly with who Waev is and where we’re going. The capital will allow us to continue to advance innovative technologies, while meeting the increasing demand for our products.”

J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking launched the Green Economy Banking team in 2021 to provide capital solutions and expertise to clients that are advancing decarbonization across renewable energy, sustainable finance and climate tech.

The deal between Waev and J.P. Morgan was facilitated by Chartwell Financial Advisory, Waev’s exclusive financial advisor. Chartwell provided strategic counsel to Waev as it evaluated its numerous financing opportunities in pursuit of sustainable growth and significant operating flexibility.

The ABL partnership provides working capital from J.P. Morgan without equity into the company, allowing for growth that fully aligns with Waev’s strategic objectives and company mission.

Honda tests Autonomous Work Vehicle in Toronto

Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle resizedHonda has demonstrated its fully-electric prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at Toronto Pearson International Airport to test its use in airfield operations.

The demonstration tested its use in security perimeter fence inspections and was conducted in collaboration with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority along with technology leaders including Cisco Canada, Genwave Technologies, Illuminex AI and Eagle Aerospace.

For the Toronto demonstration, Honda showcased the AWV’s perimeter inspection capabilities leveraging its mapping and obstacle detection features, allowing it to navigate inspection routes and slow down or stop to avoid colliding with an obstacle.

The proof-of-concept perimeter fence inspection uses technologies from multiple tech companies, with Cisco Ultra Reliable Wireless Backhaul providing the wireless networking backbone for private connectivity to the airfield, Genwave Technologies designing, integrating and supporting wireless networks such as Cisco’s IoT Ultra Reliable Wireless Backhaul platform, Illuminex AI’s Operational AI System providing real-time assessments of airfield conditions and potential hazards, and Eagle Aerospace’s AIROps cloud-based software offering real-time automated logging of discrepancies during the inspection process.

Jason VanBuren, System Engineering Manager at American Honda Motor Co, said: “As we work toward commercialising the Honda AWV, we want to understand the needs of airfield operators and airport authorities to create new value by streamlining operations, enhancing safety performance and helping to meet airfield environmental sustainability goals.”

Honda is looking for other use cases such as hauling and transporting aircraft parts and equipment, mowing for vegetation control, working as a foreign object debris (FOD) tool and towing baggage carts and trailers to and from aircraft.

The AWV uses a camera for real-time monitoring and a suite of sensors to operate autonomously including GPS for location and radar and LiDAR for obstacle detection.

SAASA awarded Radioactive Material License by IPEN

SAASA jpg resized croppedServicios Aeroportuarios Andinos (SAASA) has been awarded the Radioactive Storage License issued by the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy (IPEN).

The facility at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima is the first air cargo customs warehouse in Peru to be certified by IPEN, which issues licences to warehouses which comply with high safety standards, handling and storage requirements and are capable of providing appropriate care for radioactive materials, says Guillermo Vega, Safety & Security SAASA.

Products covered by the licence are radioactive products in the medical, industrial, agricultural and research sectors.

Vega says the licence is evidence of compliance with laws and regulations on the control, handling and storage of radioactive materials set out by IPEN.

“SAASA is completely aware of the relevance in guaranteeing our customers and users that such a delicate and sensible matter is given the importance it has. Furthermore, we are proud of becoming the first and only air warehouse in being certified by the competent body,” said Vega.

To receive the licence, staff were trained as Special Cargo Inspectors of radioactive material in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

It was necessary for SAASA to have operational procedures for the reception, acceptance, handling and storage of radioactive material, and a radioactive material Emergency Response Plan.

SAASA needed facilities and an area for radioactive material and radiation level measurement and control measures.

“Our radioactive material storage area is located in an isolated area and is duly fenced and monitored by our personnel on duty as well as by our CCTV. It is considered a restricted area and only properly trained personnel have access to said area,” said Vega.

Vestergaard helps United Ground Express go electric

Vestergaard e electric chassis resized croppedVestergaard Company has named United Ground Express as the North American launch customer for the Elephant e-Mini MY Lite and new and refurbished e-VTS units.

The fully electric de-icing and vacuum toilet service units are built on the electric Vestergaard e chassis.

The electric chassis is available in 9, 12 and 20 MT configurations with a 27 MT unit planned for the near future.

They offer common parts and improved efficiency for operators and maintenance training.

Peter Haug, VP Sales North America at Vestergaard, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our two new, sustainable ground support units in North America. In collaboration with UGE, we support their UGEco mission for an environmentally committed and carbon-neutral future.”

Calgary airport to receive 6 more Vestergaard e-BETAs

e-BETAs in action resizedFSM Group has placed an order for another 6 Elephant e-BETA de-icing units from Vestergaard Company to use at Calgary International Airport.

The 6 new units add to the 12 purchased last year for the Calgary Central De-icing Facility and will be in operation in autumn this year.

The Elephant e-BETA is electrically operated with a hybrid option and has been in operation in Canada, the US and Europe for several years.

Anders Larsen, Chief Sales Officer of Vestergaard, said: “We are delighted to once again have earned the trust of FSM Group and to be recognized for our dedication to quality and sustainable innovation. This order not only reaffirms our position in the market but also motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries and setting new industry standards.”

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