Fortbrand to manage pooled eGSE fleet at JFK Terminal 6

Fortbrand pushback for JFK Terminal 6 resizedFortbrand Services has been selected to manage the pooled eGSE fleet at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new Terminal 6.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) selected Fortbrand to manage the pooling model, which moves away from method of ground handlers servicing aircraft for airline customers with their own fleets, often leading to duplicate equipment, inefficiencies, airside congestion and unnecessary emissions.

At Terminal 6, each of the 10 gates will have their own set of equipment, which will be shared by ground handlers operating at the terminal in a common-use setup.

The equipment will be monitored and tracked by JMP and Fortbrand in real time to ensure operational compliance while maximising safety and efficiency.

On-site and remote charging stations will ensure equipment is fully charged while telematics software will communicate equipment’s real-time GPS location, battery life, authorised drivers, speed controls, maintenance reporting and more.

The all-electric GSE fleet at Terminal 6 will eliminate around 2,500 tons of CO2 annually by replacing diesel-powered equipment and the greater efficiency of common-use equipment.

Karen Ali, Chief Operating Officer of JFK Millennium Partners said: “Our future all-electric T6 ground fleet – monitored and maintained together with Fortbrand and our partners – will be a game changer for our airlines and underlines our company’s commitment to sustainable operating practices throughout our terminal.”

Jared Verano, CEO of Fortbrand said: “Fortbrand was founded over 40 years ago to support New York’s airports, so we are excited to partner with JMP to provide JFK T6 with essential equipment, maintenance, and fleet management services for this innovative operation.”

Terminal 6 is under construction and scheduled to open in two phases with the first gates opening next year and construction is expected to be completed in 2028.

New Terminal One at JFK issues RFPs for handling services

Picture credit: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Picture credit: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to provide handling services at the terminal.

The terminal, which is scheduled to open next year and serve international flights, has issued two RFPs, one for above the wing services and one for below the wing services.

New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK, which will include two new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation centre and an entirely new, simplified road network.

Above the wing service providers will support guests in the terminal by providing baggage and check-in services, boarding and flight escort, operating the Baggage Service Office, assisting passengers in the re-check area, meeting arriving flights and assisting during irregular operations.

Below the wing service providers will be required to provide fully trained and experienced labour service, offer safe, smooth and efficient operations for airlines, passengers, service providers and other stakeholders, and utilise electric GSE for aircraft servicing and support.

Marisa Von Wieding, Vice President of Operations at New Terminal One, said: “The selected providers will be instrumental in setting new standards for airport operations and maintaining the New Terminal One’s position as a global leader in the aviation industry.”

Interested parties are asked to contact procurement@onejfk.com for further information about the RFPs and have until 26 March 2025 to submit their proposals.

TCR to provide New Terminal One with pooled eGSE

TCR eGSE fleet for New Terminal One resized

TCR will provide the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport with a centralised fleet of electric GSE, which will be pooled by ground handlers.

The new terminal, which is scheduled to open next year, will be the first airport terminal in the world to procure a centralised all-electric GSE fleet, which will be shared by ground handlers.

The shared model is designed to reduce environmental impact, improve costs and optimise equipment usage in contrast to the conventional model where ground handlers individually own or lease their own equipment.

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK airport, which includes two new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation centre and a new, simplified road network.

Operating the electric GSE fleet through the pooling model is a key part of New Terminal One’s sustainability strategy, which supports the Port Authority’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its airports and facilities by 2050.

Jennifer Aument, CEO of New Terminal One, said: “We are delighted to partner with TCR on this innovative collaboration for all-electric ground support equipment, which will contribute to seamless operations for our partner airlines and a best-in-class experience for their customers.”

Kristof Philips, CEO of TCR Airport Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to contribute to this groundbreaking initiative. This project highlights our dedication to sustainability and innovation, setting a worldwide model for the aviation industry.”

TCR’s electric GSE fleet integrates advanced fleet management technology to provide real-time data to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.

The pooling model is designed will reduce emissions as electric equipment eliminates tailpipe emissions and improves air quality, provides cost efficiencies by minimising equipment redundancy, and electric GSE reduces overall energy consumption.

TCR says the pooling model makes it easier for ground handlers to participate in competitive bids as they will only provide the manpower operate GSE without having the purchase their own equipment.

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.”

dnata achieves ISAGO accreditation at JFK

dnata USA ISAGO at New York JFK resized

dnata USA has been awarded IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) Accreditation at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport.

The ISAGO audit programme covers areas of organisation and management, load control, passenger and baggage handling, aircraft handling and loading and aircraft ground movement.

Benefits to airlines, ground handlers and authorities include safer ground operations, fewer accidents, elimination of redundant audits, reduced costs, a uniform audit process and harmonised standards, among other benefits.

David Barker, Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations at dnata says: “We consistently invest in training, equipment and industry-leading technologies to deliver world-class safety for our staff, partners and their customers. The achievement of the ISAGO accreditation is a remarkable milestone which demonstrates our relentless commitment to safety and service excellence.”