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Embrace intelligent GSE, says Aurrigo CEO

Picture credit: Leif Piechowski

Picture credit: Leif Piechowski

The CEO of Aurrigo International has urged the ground handling industry to embrace intelligent GSE to transform operations.

Professor David Keene created the term intelligent GSE to describe his vision for a suite of advanced, integrated technologies to enhance operational performance and streamline airside activities.

Adopting smart airside solutions will help the industry reduce turnaround times, improve reliability and cut its environmental footprint.

Keene said: “As we move into a new era of airside operations, it is imperative that we harness advanced technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The future belongs to those who will lead the charge in reimagining how ground handling is performed.”

Automation is an area where iGSE can help by minimising human errors and enhancing operational speed.

Data analytics can provide real-time data to optimise resource allocation and improve decision-making processes.

Integrating eco-friendly practices into ground support operations will help with sustainability by reducing emissions and supporting global goals.

Keene said: “This is not just about technology; it’s about transforming our industry to better serve airlines, passengers, and the planet. Who will be the first GSE to transition to an iGSE approach?”

Mallaghan launches electric products at GSE Expo Europe 2024

Mallaghan Electric Self-Propelled Toilet Service resizedMallaghan launched electric products at GSE Expo Europe 2024, introducing the self-propelled toilet service truck and North America’s first fully-electric refrigerated catering truck.

The Mallaghan Electric Self-Propelled Toilet Service Truck has a 3,000 litre tank, three metre lifting platform and 80V lithium-ion batteries compatible with standard airport chargers.

The CT6000E catering truck was developed with Delta Air Lines and is the first fully-electric, refrigerated, widebody capable catering truck in North America.

The products were launched at GSE Expo Europe, which was held from 17-19 September at the FIL in Lisbon, Portugal where Mallaghan was displaying its products at stand EX10.

Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer of Mallaghan, said: “These electric solutions represent a major step forward in aligning with global sustainability goals while meeting the needs of ground support operations, and showcases our innovation, environmental responsibility, and superior performance.”

Mallaghan also announced the European release of its SkyBelt conveyor belt loader with updated specifications.

Ronan Mallaghan, CEO of Mallaghan, said: “As the industry evolves, we remain dedicated to meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly equipment and look forward to continuing to work with our partners to deliver market-leading products.”

Textron GSE premieres Safeaero 220E at GSE Expo Europe 2024

Safeaero_220_E_-_Spraying_3 resizedTextron GSE has launched an all-electric option for its Safeaero 220 de-icer, which was premiered at GSE Expo Europe 2024.

The Safeaero 220 is the only single-operator de-icer on the market with its design allowing one operator to drive, manoeuvre and spray from the cab, and it can serve aircraft from commuter aircraft to large aircraft.

It has a state-of-the-art spraying and blending system to reduce fluid consumption, eliminate waste and lower environmental impact.

Its wireless data transfer and remote diagnostics tools allow operators to quickly and easily track the Safeaero 220’s performance.

The Safeaero 220E is on display at GSE Expo Europe, which is being held at the FIL in Lisbon, Portugal from 17-19 September, and can be viewed at stand EX37.

Morgan Gresens, Vice President and General Manager GSE of Textron Specialized Vehicle said the Safeaero 220E is the latest example of Textron GSE’s commitment to electrification, sustainability and customer requirements.

She said: “We invested significantly and are showing our commitment to provide our customers with electrified, zero-emission GSE solutions that don’t compromise the safety, operational efficiency and performance on the tarmac for which Textron GSE is known.”

Textron GSE worked with Equipmake to bring the electric de-icer to market.

Equipmake develops and produces electrified products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, coach and marine industries.

It developed the Safeaero 220E’s electric drivetrain to provide quiet, emissions-free operations while maintaining the Safeaero 220’s single-person operation.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said: “Textron GSE’s selection of Equipmake to assist in the electrification of the Safeaero 220 de-icer is a considerable endorsement of both our products and technology, and our ability to apply them in new, important industry sectors.”

Swissport to buy electric vehicles from 2025

Swissport eco powered resizedSwissport will purchase new vehicles in electric-powered variants from January 2025 to speed up the transition away from diesel and gasoline-powered GSE.

From January, vehicles for baggage transport, conveyor belts to load luggage, mobile staircases, forklifts, and vehicles for waste disposal and water supply must be purchased in the electric variant in Swissport’s newly adopted procurement policy.

By 2027, Swissport intends to procure only electric GSE depending on equipment availability and airport infrastructure.

Swissport has set the target of 55% electric GSE by 2032.

The policy is key to Swissport’s ESG commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, with CEO Warwick Brady saying: “Over the next ten years, we will invest over a billion euros into a new electric fleet. Our strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy also supports airlines’ ESG goals and reduces their supply chain emissions.”

Brady also said: “To support our electrification roadmap, airports must prioritise installing charging infrastructure, and ensure their electrical grids can handle increased power demands. Swissport also urges regulators and IATA to establish standardised charging connectors and protocols and to require airports to provide a minimum number of electrifiable GSE parking spaces.”

Swissport is making progress electrifying its GSE fleet at major European airports with 44% electric GSE at Zurich Airport, which is set to reach 55% by the end of 2025.

At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Swissport has invested €2.5 million in electric assets and intends to transition its entire motorised GSE fleet to electric power soon.

Five electric buses have been deployed at Rome Fiumicino Airport with seven more on order, and Swissport will invest €25 million in electric vehicles at Frankfurt Airport, where it has secured a licence to provide ground services from February 2025.

Green Cubes launches new Li-ion battery for GSE

Green Cubes resizedGreen Cubes Technology has unveiled its latest lithium ion battery for GSE offering superior safety and cycle life.

The Li-ion battery utilises Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is safer and more efficient than lead acid and other types of Li-ion batteries.

Key features of Green Cubes’ battery are a state of charge measurement update for stable tracking, improved isolation with CAN and USB communication interfaces, advanced technician software and diagnostic trouble codes to improve diagnostics, an IP54-designed battery control module with easy access for servicing, common parts to reduce spare part inventory requirements, and a power distribution board to eliminate I/O harness and inline components.

Robin Schneider, Director of Marketing at Green Cubes, said: “Airlines and airports worldwide are committed to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability. Converting GSE to electric power, particularly using Li-ion batteries, is a straightforward and impactful step in this direction.”

Joe Richards, Vice President of Product Management, added: “LFP chemistry is safer, more environmentally friendly, and provides a superior cycle life. In addition, we are implementing design features specifically to address the needs of GSE, developed from our years of experience in this industry.”

Aurrigo opens first US operational office at CVG airport

Aurrigo AutoDollyTug at CVG airport resizedAurrigo International has launched its first operational office in the USA, located at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

The office is in Delta Cargo’s building at the airport and is home to the team responsible for deploying the Auto-DollyTug, a fully-electric tug that operates autonomously airside, delivering cost savings, increased efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional diesel tugs.

Daniel Garcia Jr has been recruited as the company’s first Autonomous Vehicle Safety Operator in the USA and will shortly be joined by more colleagues including specialists in vehicle maintenance.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, said: “The deal we signed in January to deploy Auto-DollyTug at CVG has led to this dedicated office and new team. It will provide the team with ease of access to the initial deployment, while also providing the opportunity to move forward on other potential ventures stateside.”

The Auto-DollyTug is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor with the ULD carrying capability of an airport dolly, making a more flexible and space efficient vehicle.

An Auto-DollyTug towing four trailers can carry five ULDs, 30% more than a traditional tug set-up with the same overall length.

Aurrigo’s technology incorporates robotic arms on the body, allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a ULD itself.

The project is getting set up and mapping the airport with operations due to start soon.

Keene said: “Many US airports are looking to push the boundaries of innovation to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the first of what we hope will be many adopting our technology.”

dnata adds electric tugs to Sao Paulo Guarulhos fleet

dnata electric tugs in Sao Paulo 2 resizeddnata has invested $1.7 million by adding 24 electric tugs to its GSE fleet at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport.

The tugs will transport passenger baggage between aircraft and the airport terminal, and will prevent 420 tonnes of CO2 emissions from being released annually, the equivalent of more than 1.7 million kilometres of driving an average petrol-powered car.

Phil McGrane, CEO of dnata Brazil says the ground services provider is proud to invest in electric GSE, which will help dnata Brazil maintain service and safety levels while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

He said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to further improve environmental efficiency in the Brazilian aviation industry. This includes strong collaboration with the infrastructure providers, whose investment is crucial for advancing the electrification of GSE fleets.”

dnata is investing in its global GSE fleet to improve environmental performance and is committed to phasing out diesel-powered engines, which will be replaced by hybrid, electric or hydrogen power wherever airports have suitable infrastructure.

Minimising fuel consumption is a focus for dnata, with its GSE fleet getting monitored with Vehicle Tracking Management systems, mapping exercises to minimise the distance travelled, and optimised shifts and parking slots to reduce fuel burn.

Driver behaviour is also tracked to encourage better driving through education, awareness and training.

In the 2023-24 financial year, data verified by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body found that dnata’s carbon intensity was reduced by over 8%, 22% and 26% in its airport operations, travel and catering businesses respectively.

Mallaghan raises $20,000 for charity at golf tournament

ANNUAL MALLAGHAN GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $20000 FOR CHARITY resizedMallaghan has raised $20,000 for charity at its 2nd Annual Shamrock Classic Golf Tournament, held in Newnan, Georgia.

The event was held at the White Oak Golf Club, bringing together sponsors, clients, employees and friends, raising funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, BYRD House, Frayed Edges Foundation and Hunter Scarbrough.

The tournament was established in 2022 in memory of Shane MacMahon, a valued colleague who lost his life to suicide.

Niall Mallaghan, Director and Co-Owner of Mallaghan, said: “The Shamrock Classic Golf Tournament is more than just a golfing event, it is a tribute to Shane MacMahon and a testament to Mallaghan’s commitment to championing mental health awareness.”

Key event sponsors included Delta Air Lines, Waters Truck and Tractor, Xced and Averest.

Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer of Mallaghan, said: “We are very grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, and all members of the Mallaghan team who worked together to make our 2nd Annual Shamrock Classic Golf Tournament such an enjoyable occasion.”

The 3rd Annual Shamrock Classic Golf Tournament will take place on Friday 18 October at White Oak Golf Club.

dnata to use Damarel FiNDnet Enterprise in the USA

Damarel signs contract with dnata USA resizedDamarel is providing dnata with its latest generation FiNDnet Enterprise solution for ground handlers, which will be rolled out across stations in the USA.

The contract was signed at the 8th Americas GHI Conference, which was held from 25-27 June in Toronto, Canada by David Barker, Regional CEO Airport Operations at dnata and John Boult, Managing Director of Damarel.

The turnaround tool will be encompassed into dnata’s billing and turnaround process, and it will be integrated with AI cameras.

dnata will roll out the tool at Orlando International Airport by September, followed by John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York before implementing it across the rest of its US network by the end of March next year.

Paul Bruton, Consultant at Damarel said it is a brand new technology stack, capturing much more detail for service provisions and a more advanced precision timing schedule for tracking turnarounds and other processes.

James Kelly, Client Account Manager added that the new product can capture photos for risk mitigation so handlers can show how the aircraft was presented to them.

The legacy mobile application was purely online, Kelly added, saying: “You had to be connected in order to use it. The new application has offline functionalities so if you are out of signal for a period of time, you can still capture information, which will synchronise when you get back into range.”

The product can capture generic services, said Bruton, which can cover services in the hangar or cleaning the airline’s offices, along with a new deadload management feature.

“As well as presenting the flight, SLAs and service information to agents on the mobile device, we can present them with a list of all the inbound containers on the aircraft for unloading and see containers being built for departures, when they are on the stand ready for loading and identify if containers are missing,” said Bruton.

Boult added that dnata teams have experience of using the system so they can standardise procedures and processes, saying: “Using the centralised enterprise tool, they can compare and contrast, taking huge amounts of information, plug it into their business intelligence platforms to drill into details so they can bring everyone up to the dnata levels of excellence.”

Rampmaster delivers electric refuelling truck to Signature Aviation

Electric_Vehicle_fueling_on_airport_in_Vail resizedRampmaster has delivered the first zero emission all-electric jet refuelling truck in the US to Signature Aviation.

The refuelling truck is being used at Signature Aviation’s Vail location at Eagle County Regional Airport in Colorado and the 5,000 gallon unit will be integrated into operations where Rampmaster’s diesel units have been in service for several years.

The electric refuelling truck replaces the diesel engine with an electric motor and hydraulic pump powered by lithium batteries.

Leighton Yohannan, CEO of Rampmaster, said: “The partnership with Signature Aviation was strategic in developing our Electric Vehicle (EV) Refueller. It has the only EV chassis, to date worldwide, that meets all aviation industry mandates while also establishing safety standards on airport.”

The electric model offers lithium technology and an encased battery with four feet separation from the electric system to the fuelling pump and tank for safety.

The Battle Motors/BorgWarner Cascadia motion motor and EV chassis meet airport axel weight and aviation requirements.

It offers full battery DC fast charges in less than two hours, which will power eight hours of total pump refuelling run time.

The elongated refueller lifespan is 20 years with 1% degradation a year compared to 10 years of most other designs.

Maintenance is lower than diesel engines and it offers significant fuel savings combined with lower emissions.

The design includes a roof-mounted battery chiller and blanket heater for extreme hot and cold temperatures, which monitors temperature and load for optimal battery utilisation while maintaining the battery temperature of 76F.

The electric refueller has a system similar to the Electric Management System on diesel-powered units, which monitors engine RPMs and PSI, with the electric version slowing motor revolutions for efficiency and improved charging time while saving motor wear and electric utilisation.

The Battle Motor Digital Dash has easy to read actionable data, diagnosis and service manuals, and telematics monitor the chassis and transmits data every three seconds.

Mobileye 8 Connect is standard for all Rampmaster vehicles to prevent and mitigate collisions.

Brad Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Signature Aviation, said: “The introduction of the aviation industry’s first zero emissions electric jet refueller is another transformative step towards our net-zero goals using our innovation test bed at Signature Vail.

“Our collaboration with Rampmaster exemplifies how we’re working with our partners and guests to research, invest, and bring to market innovative technologies to help create a more sustainable future in aviation.”

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