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DHL Express to cut ground emissions with mobile charging carts

DHL Express mobile charging cart resized croppedDHL Express will role out JBT AeroTech mobile charging carts at select US airports to carbon emissions in ground operations.

The cart, which was unveiled at the International GSE Expo in Las Vegas, serves as a mobile charging platform for battery-powered ground support equipment, saving around 800 tons of carbon emissions a year.

It will meet charging demands that current airport infrastructure cannot meet and DHL will replace older combustion powered equipment with new eGSE, which can be charged by the new unit.

The AmpCart, designed by JBT AeroTech, has 4 to 6 chargers with 2 output charging cables each for a total of 8 to 12 charging connectors.

It can also act as a backup system in the case of a power outage, allowing ground equipment to continue normal operations.

The charging cart will be introduced at San Diego International Airport next month and then at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express US, says, “Mobile charging technology is a significant step forward in DHL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting ambitious sustainability goals in the coming years. We’re looking at ways to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious across all aspects of our operation.”

OSHKOSH acquisition brings huge opportunities for JBT AeroTech

AmpCart cropped resizedPresidents of JBT AeroTech and OSHKOSH, Vocational chose the International GSE Expo to exclusively chat to journalists about the recent acquisition and the growth plans for the future.

The OSHKOSH $820 million acquisition of JBT AeroTech was successfully completed on 1 August, following the strategic decision announced last year by JBT’s CEO, Brian Deck to separate JBT’s FoodTech and AeroTech business.

OSHKOSH Corporation is a Fortune 500 company US-based industrial technology company, one of the world’s largest manufacturer of fire trucks that comes under its vocational business segment which JBT AeroTech now joins.

Jim Johnson, OSHKOSH Corporation Executive Vice President and President, Vocational, said: ”We made the acquisition because we think JBT AeroTech is a fantastic company, primarily the people and equipment that you see here today but also this is a growing market. The airport infrastructure spending project happening today and the projected growth over the next decade correlates with increased projected passenger traffic, so we’re excited because we purchased a great company in a growing market.”

David Burdakin, President of JBT AeroTech told the press: “We couldn’t be more excited. Just like JBT AeroTech, OSHKOSH designs and builds products for maximum reliability. But it’s more than just the products, the most important thing is the culture, and we have very similar values that are people oriented. One of the key OSHKOSH values is people first and that’s a great foundation and great culture, and we’re already experiencing that benefit.”

JBT AeroTech now has access to a much larger supply chain. “Our buying clout has gone up five times, so it makes large suppliers more interested or more important to our suppliers. It also opens up the door to new suppliers, which is really important right now, as we continue to ramp up to record production,” said Burdakin.

Also on growth opportunities he added: “We’re looking at growth, not just through new products and product technology, but also potentially through acquisitions.”

Other positive synergies to come out of the acquisition centre around the R&D capabilities of both companies with OSHKOSH working on the same technologies as JBT AeroTech in the areas of electrification, sustainability and automation.

One of the innovative solutions on display at the Expo is the new Ampcart towable charging platform which has been designed to help overcome charging infrastructure challenges at airports.

It provides electrical power to stations or parts of the airport where there is no charging infrastructure and allows them to switch their GSE from diesel to electric.

Other exciting technologies Burdakin mentions are JetDock and AmpTeck, a load sharing technology, with 7 already in production. It draws power off of a passenger boarding bridge when it’s not in use thanks to its smart technology, allowing efficient eGSE charging without costly infrastructure and grid upgrades.

“When there is no aircraft at the gate, you can utilize that power for charging stations or the passenger boarding bridge without any additional infrastructure feeding into the airport,” explained Burdakin.

Other technologies and GSE at the Expo included the Ranger Electric Cargo Loader and B250 Electric Pushback Tractor and the Tempest-i Deicer as well as LEKTRO tow vehicles and more.

Chuck Durst, President – Ground Support Equipment, JBT AeroTech, said: “Our presence at the International GSE Expo is about more than just showcasing products. It’s about focusing on the future needs of the aviation industry and sharing our vision for sustainable, efficient and reliable ground operations. Our featured equipment and advanced technology are designed to revolutionise ground support equipment and services and the demands of this industry for many years to come.”

Vestergaard strengthens North American leadership team

Vestergaard North America appointments cropped resizedVestergaard Company has promoted leaders in North America to manage growth in the region.

Brock Crocker has been promoted to the role of Managing Director of Vestergaard Company US where responsibilities include overseeing increased assembly and manufacturing.

Peter Haug has taken the role of VP of Sales, North America, spearheading efforts to expand market presence, enhance customer relationships and drive sales growth.

Kalie Sadowski, Customer Service Manager will manage the Service Program, catering for customer needs with factory-trained technicians offering service options including annual service inspections and summer overhauls for Vestergaard Company and Kalmar units.

LAWA picks partners for LAX Cargo Modernization Program

Picture credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Picture credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has selected LAX Community Partners as the developer for the LAX Cargo Modernization Program.

Los Angeles International Airport is the 5th largest cargo airport in the US by tonnage, handling more than 2.7 million tons last year.

It has 3 cargo areas with 27 buildings totalling 2.6 million square feet and 3.5 million square feet of ramp area.

The airport says the facilities range from 20 to 80 years old and have reached their end of their useful life and are not compatible with current industry standards.

LAX Community Partners, a partnership between Realterm and JLC Infrastructure, a joint venture between Magic Johnson and Loop Capital has experience with airports, with Realterm being one of the largest developers of on-airport cargo facilities in North America.

JLC Infrastructure, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Jim Reynolds, has invested in other airport projects including New York LaGuardia Central Terminal B and the John F. Kennedy International Airport New Terminal One P3.

Marlon Smith, Managing Director of JLC Infrastructure, says, “As a member of LACP and an equity investor in the project, we are honoured to be involved in a project that will improve cargo operations at LAX while also aligning well with JLC’s sustainability and clean energy goals. This project is particularly special to our co-founder, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as it betters LAX and benefits the Los Angeles community. It has the potential to create significant jobs for the local community and provide diverse, local and small enterprises with tremendous opportunities to participate.”

David Rose, Managing Director – Airport Infrastructure at Realterm, adds, “Realterm prioritises flexibility, sustainability, technology and community in all aspects of its projects. Our partnership with JLC successfully blends international best practices with superior local engagement and, through our partnership with LAWA, we look forward to serving as a positive economic engine for the local surrounding communities.”

Quantum-South helps Amerijet optimise aircraft loading

Amerijet plane loading in a lineup resized Amerijet International and logistics technology company Quantum-South have completed a proof of concept project to optimise aircraft loading.

The project studied loading to improve load factors and revenue per flight by examining data from more than 400 flights.

Using its solution, Quantum-South found that payloads could be increased by up to 30% and volumes by 76% when loaded differently with Quantum-South replacing the previous load plan of PAG and PQA containers with an optimised plan using containers including AKEs, TYPE A1, TYPE A FRONT and TYPE A AFT units.

Quantum-South’s solution features an Aircraft Load Optimization module maximise weight, volume, priority and revenue mix with a focus on optimising the centre of gravity.

The Air Cargo Bin Packing module selects shipments to optimise the booked priority with container assignment and precise instructions on how to build the container such as the location and order of placement for each piece in the shipment.

The solution was seamlessly integrated with Amerijet’s cargo management system, powered by the SmartKargo backend application to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cargo operations.

Dr Rafael Sotelo, Co-Founder and President of Quantum-South, says, “The project’s success at Miami International Airport demonstrates the significant potential of our cutting-edge solution in optimizing cargo load factors. We are excited to continue working with Amerijet International and uncover more optimisation opportunities to further enhance their operations.”

Eric Wilson, Chief Commercial Officer of Amerijet International, adds, “Optimising flight load plans and augmenting process efficiency helps us provide the best capacity offering to our customers while maximising the load of every flight. Quantum-South’s solution has the potential to bring significant benefits to our operations, increase revenues and reduce emissions, and we look forward to further collaboration to uncover more optimisation opportunities.”

United Airlines invests in Electric Power Systems

United_Airlines_EPS_Module resized United Airlines has invested in Electric Power Systems (EPS), a company producing battery technology for uses in the air and on the ground.

EPS’s compatible module technology can be adapted to support a variety of batteries with United looking at using the technology in its ground equipment and electric aircraft.

United says EPS’s battery modules could be used to charge electric ground equipment, electric aircraft when they come into service, electrified auxiliary power unit start products and electrified cold-chain storage product for cargo containers.

EPS aims to provide a battery ecosystem for aviation from packs on aircraft to charging stations on the ground, which is designed to keep costs low and provide rapid charges without degrading battery life.

United is also exploring ways to move its pilot training academy, Aviate, away from internal combustion-powered training aircraft to electric ones, with EPS’s powertrain potentially serving as the core propulsion system for a family of future electric aircraft concepts.

Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, said: “What makes EPS’s technology different and exciting is the scope of operational possibilities where we have the option to deploy it today and, in the future, to help electrify and decarbonise our operations.”

Nathan Millecam, CEO of EPS, added: “United’s investment will enable us to scale our operations and expedite the development of our cutting-edge powertrain solutions. By working together, our aim is to revolutionise air travel and build a more sustainable future for the industry.”

Sage Parts opens global headquarters in Greenville

Sage Parts opens global headquarters in Greenville resized Sage Parts has opened its new global headquarters and distribution operations in Greenville, South Carolina.

The Greenville County facility accommodates distribution operations and houses its new global headquarters including the leadership team, purchasing, finance, customer service, HR, product management and other support departments.

The 103,049 square foot leased building is Sage Parts’ first facility in South Carolina and the $1.7 million investment will create 73 new jobs.

Christopher Pratt, President and CEO of Sage Parts, said: “Sage Parts is very excited to open this new state-of-the-art facility to service our global customer base. After an exhaustive national search, we landed in Greenville County, S.C., for its business-friendly environment, expanding and talented workforce, and high quality of life for our employees.”

OshKosh to acquire JBT AeroTech for $800m

2023_05_30_AeroTech_news_popup Oshkosh Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the AeroTech business from JBT Corporation for $800m.

The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the 3rd quarter of 2023 and completes the strategic decision announced last year by JBT’s CEO, Brian Deck to separate JBT’s FoodTech and AeroTech business.

In the announcement letter to customers, David Burdakin, President of JBT AeroTech, wrote: “Under Oshkosh, our future looks even brighter than ever. There are a lot of synergies between our two companies. Like JBT, Oshkosh is investing heavily in technology for electrification, automation, and telematics. Both companies are committed to providing industry leading customer service throughout the world.”

John Pfeifer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oshkosh Corporation said: “This transaction supports our ‘Innovate. Serve. Advance.’ business strategy as we enter the attractive air transportation support space with a market-leading portfolio of purpose-built products and comprehensive service offerings. AeroTech meets all the criteria of our M&A priorities, and we believe it will enhance the financial profile of our vocational segment, further strengthening this growing segment and enabling it to move beyond our goal of $3 billion-plus annual revenue with double-digit margins. We look forward to working with the AeroTech team to integrate the business and unlock value for our customers and shareholders.”

In a press statement released by Oshkosh it explained when adjusted for the present value of expected tax benefits of approximately $80 million, the purchase price is $720m. This represents approximately 9x earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) based on the expected 2023 second half run-rate or approximately 7.2x EBITDA including expected run-rate synergies.

Menzies Aviation expands network to Panama

Menzies Aviation starts operations in Panama resized Menzies Aviation has extended its Latin American network into Panama with the acquisition of Aircraft Services and Consulting.

The acquisition extends Menzies’ network to Tocumen International Airport and Scarlett Martinez International Airport with additional operating licences secured for David Airport and Panama Pacifico Airport.

Tocumen is the largest airport in Central America, handling over 15 million passengers annually and serving as the home base for COPA Airlines and more than 20 major regional and international carriers.

Aircraft Services and Consulting will be rebranded and trade as Menzies Aviation (Panama) and will continue to serve customers including Iberia, Air Canada and Air Transat.

John Redmond, EVP Americas at Menzies Aviation, said: “We are excited to add our 7th country in Latin America and our 46th and 47th airports respectively in this important and growing market. This acquisition bolsters Menzies Aviation’s position as the leading player in the global aviation services industry and further demonstrates our commitment to being a trusted service partner across this region. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as Menzies strengthens its presence in Panama and continues to provide unparalleled support to the aviation community in the region.”

AeroMexico selects Swissport to handle flights at Rome Fiumicino

220720-Swissport-274 AeroMexico has selected Swissport to handle its flights at Rome Fiumicino airport when services start on 26 March.
The Mexican airline will operate 4 flights a week between Mexico City and Rome from 26 March using a Boeing 787, increasing to 7 a week from mid-June.
Swissport will provide passenger and security services, lounge hospitality and ramp handling under the contract, which runs until March 2026.
Marina Bottelli, Managing Director for Italy at Swissport, said: “We are honoured and excited to partner with the Mexican national airline. AeroMexico can rely on Swissport’s recognised experience as a reliable partner for a vast range of aviation services between the landing and the take-off of their flights. Our launch in Italy just nine months ago, when we also took over the complete hub handling of ITA Airways at their home base, was a great success, and we are pleased that our customer portfolio continues to grow and now includes 50 renowned airlines.”
Swissport started operating in Italy in July last year, starting at Rome Fiumicino then at Milan Linate.
Since July, Swissport has served more than 4.8 million passengers and handled almost 42,000 departures for 50 airlines in Rome.

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