GOING GREEN WITH GSE COLLABORATION ON ELECTRIC - CLEARING THE WAY FOR SAFE OPERATIONS
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E X P LO R I N G G S E , A I R F I E L D E Q U I P M E N T A N D I N F R A ST R U CT U R E | WWW. A I R S I D E I N T.CO M
WINTER 2021 #AIRSIDEINT
CLEARING THE WAY FOR SAFE OPERATIONS
GOING GREEN WITH GSE
COLLABORATION ON ELECTRIC
F O C U S I N G O N TOTA L CO ST O F OW N E R S H I P LIGHTING THE APRON ENVIRONMENT
Contents WINTER 2021
04 Ploughing ahead
10 Minimising GSE total cost of ownership
Issue 56
www.airsideint.com
Content may not be 14 Celebrating three decades of growth
reproduced in any format
without written permission
from EVA International
Media Ltd
04 18 Keeping the lights on
Join the conversation
Twitter: @airsideint
Linkedin: /airside-
international 24 VINCI Airports looks to a more
Advertising opportunities
sustainable future
Contact Ian Talbot on:
+ 44 (0) 20 8253 4011
ian@evaint.com
28 Rushlift invests in growth
Address changes and
subscriptions:
charlotte@evaint.com
30 Evitado’s collision avoidance systems go
ISSN 1755-8697
into operation
14 34 TCR offers North American COBUS
EVA INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LTD
PUBLISHERS & EVENTS SPECIALISTS
customers a flexible option
The opinions expressed in
this publication are those
of the individual authors 36 ATS offers a cheaper and cleaner
or advertisers and do not
necessarily reflect those of alternative to taxiing
EVA or its members.
The mention of specific
companies or products in
40 easyJet trials emissions-saving
articles or advertisements turnarounds at Bristol Airport
contained herein does not
imply that they are endorsed
or recommended by EVA.
46 Finding a home for second-hand GSE
Published by:
EVA International Media ltd 28
Boswell Cottage
19 South End, Croydon
London, CR0 1BE, UK
48 AVIACO and XYZ Dynamics co-operate
on electric GSE conversion option
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8253 4000
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8603 7369
www.evaintmedia.com 50 Air France KLM Martinair trials new
autonomous EV at Charles de Gaulle
Printed by:
The Manson Group Limited
St Albans, Hertfordshire
AL3 6PZ, United Kingdom 52 Lee Coon to say a fond goodbye to JBT and
the GSE business
Distributed By:
Asendia UK LTD
Heathrow Estate
Silver Jubilee Way 50 54 OEM Group acquires AMS GSE as part of
Hounslow, TW4 6NF expansion programme
Editor’s
N O T E S
Mike Bryant
Mike@evaint.com
W
elcome to the Winter GSE and covert the equipment to a more
2021 issue of Airside sustainable battery-powered option.
International, in which
we once again take On the subject of greener operations, Bristol
a look at the latest Airport and easyJet discuss their co-operation
developments in airside in ongoing trials of using (as far as is possible)
technology, processes and infrastructure. only electric GSE to turn around some of the
low-cost carrier’s services at the west of England
Over the last month or so, the industry has gateway.
welcomed back both inter airport Europe in
Munich and the GSE Expo 2021 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, VINCI Airports has partnered with
The latter, held between 5 and 7 October, Airbus and Air Liquide to promote the use of
attracted more than 2,600 registrants from hydrogen as a power source for GSE and other
19 countries, as well as 195 exhibitors. inter on-airport vehicles, with Lyon–Saint Exupéry
airport Europe meanwhile brought in more than Airport to act as a testbed, and Air France is
10,000 attendees (of which 5,100 were trade involved in trials of the OROK autonomous
visitors) when it made its welcome return to the electric cargo transport unit at Paris Charles de
airside sector’s exhibition programme in mid- Gaulle International Airport.
November.
Australia-based GSE manufacturer OEM
This issue sees Airside talk to many of those Group discusses an important acquisition it
who exhibited at either or both of those events. recently made, while ATS explains its innovative
Some of them offer their latest news in the alternative to conventional aircraft taxiing across
features covering airfield ground lighting, GSE the ramp, and we also learn about Evitado’s
total cost of ownership and snow clearance. imaginative collision avoidance system for
aircraft on the ground.
Plus, we meet with Weihai Guangtai, which
celebrated its 30th anniversary recently, as Elsewhere, Greg Zaharewicz from global
well as COBUS and TCR who were keen to advisory, restructuring and investment firm
demonstrate their ongoing collaboration at the Gordon Brothers, talks about a developing
GSE Expo. aspect of the GSE business – auctions of
equipment to the highest bidder.
GSE supplier Rushlift explains its current
growth trajectory, while another GSE provider, Finally, we chat with Lee Coon, a very well-known
AVIACO, was in Munich showing off its latest name in the GSE business who is soon to retire.
service offering: collaborating with partner XYZ He tells us about his career and just how much
Dynamics, it can take customers’ diesel-powered he has enjoyed working in this industry of ours.
We hope you enjoy the issue.
James Sheridan Parveen Raja Ian Talbot
Chairman Publisher Sales Manager
james@evaint.com parveen@evaint.com ian@evaint.com
Charlotte Willis Gemma Keen Alpha Diallo
Office Manager Events Coordinator Graphic Designer
charlotte@evaint.com gemma@evaint.com alpha@evaint.com
Shobhana Patel Salam Raja Sohail Ahmad
Head of Finance Producer Digital Sales Manager
finance@evaint.com salam@evaint.com sohail@evaint.com
| WORLD LEADING
AUTONOMOUS
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F E AT U R E | S N O W C L E A R A N C E
Snow clearance at Norway’s
Oslo Airport; credit Avinor
Ploughing
ahead
C
ovid-19 has caused huge problems for the
aviation industry around the world, with the
countermeasures implemented in response to the
virus resulting in a total breakdown in international
air traffic. Without passengers to fill them, flights
dwindled to a fraction of their normal number, and
Innovation in snow clearance the industry suffered a massive hit to income – and, therefore, so did
equipment continues, with investment in new equipment.
Although cargo operations continued and even increased, meaning
Scandinavian airports leading the that snow clearance and other winter procedures were still required at
charge, as Megan Ramsay reports many airports, manufacturers and suppliers of snow clearance units
nonetheless felt the impact of Covid-19, too.
Says Mille Øveraasen, marketing manager at Norwegian snow removal
equipment manufacturer Øveraasen: “Orders were cancelled, tenders
were cancelled or put on hold, and there was also a lack of new orders.”
Plus, the pandemic has created an environment in which there can
be dramatically longer and possibly unpredictable delivery times for
important materials or components, alongside significant increases in
prices for materials and parts.
Nevertheless, at Øveraasen, despite the various restrictions
and a reduction in the workforce of approximately 15 people,
production continued. Indeed, Mille Øveraasen points out: “Some
larger contracts have been signed since the beginning of 2021 and
activities are almost back to a normal level. We are very positive in
4 Airside International | Winter 2021
S N O W C L E A R A N C E | F E AT U R E
respect to the future of the company.”
Øveraasen has won two major contracts
for autonomous airport snow clearing
equipment this year. These are for
Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden
from the autumn of 2021, and Oslo
Gardermoen Airport in Norway from mid-
winter 2021/2022.
Swedavia press officer Peter Wärring
says: “We are surely stepping into the
future at a fast pace, when we can call on
our autonomous snow clearing vehicles
for the coming winter. Recently, we have
had new vehicles delivered and work is
underway with the supplier to ensure
autonomous driving.
“Our ambition is that we can achieve
full autonomy in the winter season
Since Stockholm Arlanda Airport opened in 1962, it has
2021-22. These additions to our snow
never had to close because of heavy snowfall or icing
clearance fleet are a logical, positive step
for Swedavia and will help us in cutting year will see 20 RS 400 Performance Line technology to enable autonomous operation.
operational costs and make Swedavia’s runway sweepers delivered to Arlanda in That technology has been developed by Yeti
snow clearance more efficient, less time time for the 2021-22 winter season. Move, a consortium comprising Semcon,
consuming and more climate friendly.” The machines are the latest iteration of Husqvarna and Øveraasen.
The contract signed with Øveraasen last the proven RS 400 PL, equipped with the Swedavia says its “leading position in
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F E AT U R E | S N O W C L E A R A N C E
Arlanda is home to large numbers of specialised equipment that enable operations to continue through the harsh winter months
respect to autonomous vehicles” will have Øveraasen Sverige, the Swedish are among the first in the world to put a
a positive effect on operational costs at subsidiary of Øveraasen, will service and concept like this into operation, and it will
Arlanda as well as improving the quality of maintain the units after delivery. enable us to fulfil our goal of being a leader
snow clearance operations. Swedavia has also taken delivery of in terms of winter operations over the
In addition: “The focus on the five Øveraasen Runway Light Ploughs coming years.
environment is a priority for both Swedavia and eight chemical sprayers and “Ten years ago, the concept of driverless
and Øveraasen and the goal is to minimise spreaders, to be deployed at various snow ploughs was nothing more than an
the quantity of chemical used for de-icing,” airports across its portfolio. idea on paper. This is why it is so gratifying
the airport operator says, adding: “The RS In Norway, airport operator Avinor is to see that the technology is already
400 PL for Swedavia is capable of ploughing, taking similar steps in its commitment to sufficiently mature for it to be deployed in
sweeping, blowing and spraying at the same autonomous runway operations. Its €40 regular operations.”
time. This is new on the world market for million (US$46 million) contract with The use of autonomous equipment
this size snow clearing machines.” Øveraasen will extend for eight years and for snow clearance is expected to deliver
The RS 400 PL sweeper has a ploughing encompasses the purchase of runway benefits in terms of efficient, punctual and
width of 7.3m, a sweeping width of 6.1m sweepers – including autonomous vehicles reliable operations that will contribute both
and a spraying width of 16m. Its chemical – for use at Avinor’s airports, as well as to a positive passenger experience and cost
tank can hold 3,700l and the total weight of ongoing maintenance. savings for airlines.
the machine is 30 tonnes. “We want to be in the driving seat when The capacity and clearing range of
The angle of the plough is automatically it comes to new ways of thinking and the new units will enable a reduction in
adjusted to maintain its full working innovation,” says Avinor CEO Abraham the number of snow ploughs operating,
width while driving in curves. For summer Foss. “With this procurement, Avinor is thus benefiting the environment. Greater
training, the support wheels are lowered taking a step into winter operations of precision in snow removal operations and
hydraulically to avoid wearing out the the future in which autonomous runway less wear and tear on equipment will also
plough’s cutting edges. sweepers are part of the solution. We play a role in this respect, Avinor believes.
6 Airside International | Winter 2021
S N O W C L E A R A N C E | F E AT U R E
“In the long term, the intention is that machine/snow groomer. While ploughs, The G2 high-speed blower has an open
the platform for autonomous operations formate/sand spreaders and snow throwers blower design with direct snow intake
can enable automation of other tasks and are only used in winter, sweepers are used for maximum clearing speed; a patented
services in the airport area. This may include to clear runways and taxiways in summer. cutting and transport system that allows
grass cutting, line painting on the apron as The aim of such an approach is to have optimum filling of the impeller; optimised
well as sweeping,” the airport operator says. an efficient number of vehicles, to keep impeller design for high performance; and
maintenance costs as low as possible and stepless and independent speed adjustment
Multifunctional to optimise vehicle fleet utilisation, the of the blower wheel and feeding augers.
The global snow clearance vehicle fleet Kahlbacher spokesperson observes. “With On the power loader, meanwhile, the
is changing. Customers are calling for the right attachments, winter service is impeller and auger speed are perfectly
equipment that can be used all year not only getting more efficient, but will attuned to each other to ensure maximum
round, with different attachments for also be strengthened.” efficiency; the snow cutter blower and
different purposes. Kahlbacher, as a specialist in snow chute are designed for precise snow loading;
A spokesperson from Austrian clearing equipment, has numerous there is direct ejection on both sides with
winter service equipment manufacturer attachment solutions in its product range. infinitely variable adjustment of throwing
Kahlbacher explains: “Standard carrier One of these is the SPS 530, a towed-behind distance and angle; and a camera system
vehicles in combination with attachments Snow Power Sweeper driven by a standard and headlights allow an optimum overview
like snow ploughs, snow sweepers, de-icers carrier vehicle. of loading operations.
and snow cutter blowers can be used for all The company also offers its KFS series of Among Kahlbacher deliveries in recent
kind of winter service tasks, as well as for attachment snow cutter blowers for carrier times is Cologne Bonn Airport’s addition
other tasks – like mowing or transportation vehicles with more than 500hp; snow ploughs of a snow blower in 2019 (alongside
– throughout the rest of the year.” with discharge stops that collect unwanted 12 Aebi Schmidt snow ploughs), and
Wärring confirms that Swedavia uses all snow heaps and deposit them elsewhere; and the acquisition by Luxembourg’s Air
of its vehicles year-round, except for the the G2 with power loader and high-speed Navigation Administration of a new
TV1000 large snow thrower and the piste blower – one vehicle for two applications. snow plough in 2020.
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Winter 2021 | airsideint.com 7
F E AT U R E | S N O W C L E A R A N C E
Innovation
Considering the reasons for the continuing
development of snow clearance technology,
and the way that Scandinavian companies
have worked together on projects such
as Yeti Move, Avinor press spokesperson
Erik Lodding says simply: “The harsh
Scandinavian climate pushes innovation.
Avinor, the national airport operator in
Norway, dedicates significant resources
to optimise current operational concepts,
at the same time as we look for new
innovations. Technology, sustainability and
cost-effective solutions are three key drivers
for innovation at Avinor.”
Elsewhere in the region, there is a
constant will and drive among those
within Swedavia, for instance, who work
in snow clearance to keep developing
and improving. Wärring says: “As such,
innovation is necessary for us to ensure
that we are able to offer a product that is
"Avinor is taking a step into winter operations of the future”; credit Avinor
of high quality, efficient, safe and at the
same time has a long-term sustainability –
economically, socially and environmentally. Early adopters of autonomous or concerns embedded in their politics and
“Swedavia and Sweden are definitively otherwise innovative snow clearance culture. Sweden, for instance, implemented
at the forefront of snow clearance and equipment (and other GSE) pave the way for a carbon tax as early as 1991, while almost
innovation,” he goes on. “Since Stockholm the diffusion of such technology as others all of Norway’s electricity comes from
Arlanda Airport opened in 1962, we perceive the value of innovative approaches. renewable sources, and across the region
have never had to close because of heavy Thor Arve Øveraasen, CEO of there is an emphasis on connecting with
snowfall or icing. That is a record that we Øveraasen, observes: “Technological one’s natural surroundings.
are very proud of. But this can only be development is constantly moving Swedavia is playing its part too, Wärring
maintained through our magnificent staff, forward... Many airports around the world says. “To make sure that our snow
and we invest heavily in our staff training are following closely what is happening at clearing at Stockholm Arlanda Airport is
to be able to handle bad weather as well Avinor and are eager to participate in this effective, safe, climate friendly and quick,
as having very good equipment for dealing exciting journey in future.” we have the latest technology available to
with snow clearance.” Innovation can be considered a critical meet our high demands and standards.
Naturally, strict procedures, routines factor in the economic growth and One of our objectives was reached last
and the ability to practise in realistic and prosperity of any country. That said, the year, when our machinery fleet became
difficult weather conditions all help too. most innovative countries tend also to be completely fossil free.”
Wärring continues: “Before Covid, we the wealthiest ones. This reflects Maslow’s Not one to be left behind, Øveraasen
had more contact with, above all, Norway hierarchy of needs, Mille Øveraasen says. offers what it calls a ‘midlife upgrade’
and Finland, and we know that they too are With an education system that encourages for its equipment in order to improve
also far ahead in terms of snow clearance independent, creative thinking, alongside a environmental performance and reduce the
methodology and innovation. wealthy economy that ensures basic needs need for near-term investment.
“In addition, Swedavia's vision such as job security, food and shelter are According to Mille Øveraasen: “We
encourages us to be a leader among met, Sweden is among those fortunate replace and upgrade non-sustainable
airports and government operations countries that are well placed to devote components, engines and control systems.
regarding innovation. During the past five time, energy and money towards problem- Upgrading is not only a cheaper, but it is
years we have for instance invested almost solving and innovation. also a more sustainable solution.”
SEK650 million [US$76 million] in our As for the shift towards a greener Once a machine is fully upgraded
new fossil-free fleet, which includes using economy, once again Scandinavian (Step I), it is possible to introduce
larger and more effective snow clearing countries have been in the vanguard automated and autonomous operations
vehicles that run on biogas.” for some time now, with environmental through Yeti Move (Step II).
8 Airside International | Winter 2021RUNWAY BRUSHES
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Minimising GSE total cost of
ownership
Decoux points to two in particular. The
first comes about as a result of conversion
The real price of any item of equipment can be from diesel to electric power, which is not
only good for the environment but also
measured most accurately in terms of the cost represents significant cost savings over
that it will represent over its working lifetime. the lifetime of a GSE unit.
Electric GSE is now cheaper than it
Known as total cost of ownership (TCO), it used to be because the cost of batteries is
is a vital consideration – though only one of coming down, but over the life of a unit the
saving on fuel is as notable as ever. New
many – for those GSE operators thinking about technologies are allowing power to be saved
acquiring GSE in many different ways for electric GSE, also
helping minimise such GSE’s TCO.
A
TLD is a leading player in electric
GSE provision. It has for almost 25 years
offered electric GSE in some of its product
mongst the big GSE innovation director at Alvest explains lines – such as baggage tractors, belt
manufacturers that that, for TLD, TCO is a subject that always loaders and passenger stairs – but now
place a high level comes up in discussions with customers. electric variants are offered in almost all
of importance on In terms of equipment acquisition, TLD its GSE ranges, including loaders and
minimising the TCO can offer various options such as leasing towbarless tractors. Across some of its
of equipment for their rather than initial purchase, while full product lines, approximately half of all
customers is TLD, which forms part of the maintenance contracts also enable sales are now made up of electric units.
wider Alvest Group that also takes in GSE customers to minimise the TCO of their As well as the environmental
suppliers such as Smart Airport Systems new acquisitions over their lifetime. advantages and TCO benefits of battery
(SAS), Aero Specialties and Sage Parts. As for the equipment itself, TLD looks power, TLD is now working hard on the
Laurent Decoux, group product and to minimise TCO in many ways, but next phase of how electric power can
10 Airside International | Winter 2021G S E T C O | F E AT U R E
best be used in GSE, by looking at how It can also be used for geofencing. The While all TCR clients tend to have a
any given unit’s electric power efficiency information it furnishes is invaluable fairly good grasp of the concept of TCO,
can be optimised. An example here is to in allowing operators and managers to many – especially new customers – do not
be found in TLD’s reGen loader, which see how GSE is used and to maximise its fully track and therefore fully appreciate
minimises power loss through using efficiency and value through optimised all aspects of it, Vanpoucke notes. “So, we
supercapacitors to reuse the energy fleet management, Decoux remarks. try to help them with that,” he says.
generated when the equipment loading Maintenance and repair duty cycles can “We draw up business cases that fully
platform is lowered and when the loader be prepared in advance to match future account for all aspects of total cost of
brakes. requirements, while there might even ownership, and especially the costs that
The TLD reGen system constantly be TCO savings to be made through fleet accrue across an entire GSE fleet, rather
monitors the current draw of the loader rationalisation if it is seen that fewer than just in terms of an individual asset.”
(and particularly the peaks when the units can be operated at higher levels of TCR is very good at identifying the
loader is lifting, peaks which tend to efficiency to achieve the same results. TCO benefits of working with TCR across
define the period before a battery must be a GSE fleet in all manners of ways (in
replaced), thus providing data that helps Explaining TCO benefits relation to acquisition costs, running
predict when a battery will begin to fail. For Brussels, Belgium-headquartered costs, maintenance and repair, asset risk
GSE supplier TCR, minimising TCO and so on), and putting that information
Fleet management lies at the very heart of what it offers across in readily understandable terms to
The second focus TLD has in terms of its customers, explains its head of a customer (or potential customer).
minimising TCO relates to GSE use commercial, Bruno Vanpoucke. “It’s what TCR buys equipment in volume
optimisation through the company’s our [business] model reflects,” he points and can then lease individual items
LINK telematic system that tracks such out – full-service rentals that incorporate according to every customer’s needs,
variables as fuel consumption, intensity maintenance and support along with the thus significantly minimising up-front
of operations, even shock sustained by lease, while keeping the cost of GSE off costs for them. Since TCR owns an asset,
a unit of GSE during its operational life. an operator’s balance sheet. the customer avoids the risk of having
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Conveyor is an extension to a standard
belt loader. It reaches inside the aircraft
bulk hold, makes a complete 90° turn,
and quickly and reliably delivers bags to
a handler working inside the aeroplane’s
hold.)
Moreover, its semi-automated operation
increases efficiency, and – through better
team utilisation – ensures operational
cost savings from day one. In short, he
declares, the Power Stow Rollertrack
Conveyor “offers the lowest TCO on the
market”.
Power Stow achieves this, Reeves, says,
through the high quality of the product
in terms of its component parts and how
the equipment is constructed, as well as
through the support services provided,
which include training, maintenance and
servicing. Together, these facilitate the
high uptime and long life of the product
that represents – as a package – a low
TCO option.
Moreover, thanks to its semi-
that asset on its balance sheet. become cheaper) and the residual value of automated operation, baggage and
The company also offers a high degree electric units even after some years of use cargo unloading and loading operations,
of flexibility in meeting operators’ needs also now increasing, the attractiveness of using the Rollertrack Conveyor require
through its highly customisable full-service battery-powered equipment is growing all smaller teams compared to those using
packages, while the quality of preventative the time, Vanpoucke suggests – and TCR conventional belt loaders; thus, he
maintenance and repair services it provides is an expert in comparing the costs and notes, ground handler operators will cut
as part of a package also means that there benefits of diesel versus electric for its operational costs.
are no sudden and unexpected costs in this customers. Power Stow works closely with its
regard for an operator. customers to ensure that the value of
Proven practice its GSE is maximised for operators.
Going electric For Ben Reeves, vice president Power Thus, Reeves informs: “We continuously
Like TLD, TCR is emphasising the value Stow Americas, it is “proven practice” to introduce incremental improvements, to
of electric GSE for many customers. In assess the practicality and benefit of an improve reliability and operation of the
terms of TCO, TCR’s leasing model for initial investment in a particular item Rollertrack Conveyor. Our products serve
battery-powered GSE avoids the need for an of GSE according to the expected TCO, our customers for decades in all weather
operator to make the otherwise relatively rather than simply comparing initial conditions in any international airport
large initial investment (compared to purchase prices of different equipment. environment.”
similar diesel units) in electric equipment, As he points out, total cost of ownership
while it also reflects the lower maintenance is simply the sum of capital expense The operator’s viewpoint
costs of such units. The fact that the (purchase price) and operational costs over Don Redwine, director ground ops – GSE,
running costs for electric GSE are lower lifetime of a given piece of equipment, and for US carrier Southwest Airlines, can
than for diesel equivalents (and the fuel it offers a better yardstick of the practical give an operator’s view of the Rollertrack
they require) also means significant savings burden of investing in any GSE. Conveyor and its benefits to a self-
in through-life costs of course. According to Reeves, Power Stow’s handling carrier, including its value in
TCR can even acquire operators’ diesel well-known extendable belt loader, the terms of having a comparatively low TCO.
equipment and replace these units with Rollertrack Conveyor, is a high-quality, He says: “TCO is always a consideration
electric GSE as desired as part of a package. long-life machine that meets ground on any type of equipment but it is only one
With the costs of electric GSE coming handlers’ demand for reliable, durable factor in the decision. We also weigh in
down (especially, as has already been GSE and ensures high uptime and low reliability, after-sales support, safety, design
pointed out, as lithium batteries especially maintenance costs. (The Rollertrack and initial cost into our analysis.” But:
12 Airside International | Winter 2021G S E T C O | F E AT U R E
“Power Stow has shown [itself] to be among engineering and quality in the Power That is despite the Power Stow product
the top performers in all these categories.” Stow product. We believe that every effort being “a complex piece of equipment”;
Redwine continues: “We are very has been made to design in reliability and indeed, Redwine argues, in many ways
comfortable with the high level of minimise downtime.” it would not be fair to make direct
comparisons to standard style belt loaders
that do not offer the same benefits of
handling agent safety and ergonomics.
However, he enthuses: “The overall
concept and design of a flexible extending
belt loader is a game changer in the field.
We know that our employees love them
as we can see that they get three to four
times the daily use hours on a Power Stow
as opposed to a standard belt loader.
“Letting the machine do more of the
work in the bins has a positive impact
on the overall employee experience of
operations and is less stressful on the bodies
of the [handling] agents in the field.”
Finally, Redwine concludes: “We have
always gotten great support from Power
Stow even when we have faced unexpected
Southwest Airlines is a valued customer of
Power Stow’s Rollertrack Conveyor
challenges. They are great business partners
for SWA [Southwest Airlines].”
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Winter 2021 | airsideint.com 13M A N U FACT U R E R S | W E I H A I G UA N GTA I
Celebrating
three decades
of growth
In late October, GSE supplier Weihai
Guangtai marked its 30th anniversary. As
part of that celebration, customers and
partners were invited to the company's
headquarters in Weihai, China, to look over
its latest product offerings
B
Weihai Guangtai’s overseas director, Ben Xu
en Xu is Weihai poignant moment to celebrate the efforts innovations and new products that Weihai
Guangtai’s overseas made by employees over the last couple Guangtai has either recently released onto
director. Based at of years, as well as their contribution in the market or expects soon to do so.
the company’s HQ better times. One of the new developments on
in the seaport city of display was Weihai Guangtai’s new
Weihai in northern State-of-the-art GSE electric de-icing unit. The de-icer is fully
China, he and his department focus During a second day of marking the electric, employing battery power for both
on all international matters across the 30th anniversary, customers, suppliers, motive power and for heating the liquid
business, including sales, procurement friends and partners were invited to the de-icing solution prior to spraying.
and business development beyond company’s factory to look over the latest Weihai Guangtai has been developing
China’s borders. technologies and products that Weihai electric products for about a decade – it
He explains that, for the recent Guangtai has developed recently, some offers battery-powered variants of product
30th anniversary celebrations, Weihai of which are actually still in the later types including loaders, belt loaders and
Guangtai brought together all its phases of testing and development. These ground power units (GPUs), indeed of
2,000 or so employees, though largely new products reflect the investment and most of its GSE lines – but this is the
remotely through the medium of effort that the company is making in first time it has developed an electric
online meeting technology. Awards innovation and state-of-the-art technology de-icer. And, says Xu, “Electric products
were announced for staff who have application in its GSE, says Xu. and driverless equipment are a particular
performed particularly well and who Many of those invited were customers, focus for the company right now.”
have served the company in any Xu remarks, “who have supported us over The new de-icer is provoking a lot
outstanding way, whether they be sales the years”. They were all “happy to see of interest, he observes. The company
people, engineers or active in any other how quickly we have grown and what we already supplies de-icers to many Chinese
aspect of the firm’s business. have achieved over the course of 30 years, airports; in fact, it is a market leader
These awards reflected the dedication and particularly in recent times”. in China for these specialised vehicles,
with which staff have served Weihai Suppliers were also in attendance and he informs, but the battery-powered
Gunagtai over the years, he says, many they, too, were “proud to share in our option is likely to prove very popular
of whom have gone above and beyond achievements”, Xu adds. Finally, many in the domestic market, given China’s
the call of duty to help the company “old friends” were invited and joined in prioritisation of sustainability and
become the large and influential GSE the anniversary celebrations. “We wanted specifically its commitment to reducing
supplier that it is today. to show our appreciation and support for harmful emissions in its aviation sector.
Given the impact of the Covid-19 our friends,” he says. The electric de-icer remains at a
pandemic on people and on the Those present could see for themselves prototype stage, but should be ready for
aviation industry, it was a particularly some of the latest technological sale next year, Xu says.
14 Airside International | Winter 2021W E I H A I G UA N GTA I | M A N U FACT U R E R S
Staying on the theme of electric GSE,
also available for inspection was the
company’s new ‘battery swap station’,
a facility for changing the batteries of
electric GSE without needing to resort to
battery charging. The process of switching
a battery should take just five minutes, Xu
says, in a process that has been borrowed
from the automobile industry. “The
technology is quite mature,” he observes.
Swapping batteries at such a station
would perhaps be a possible response
to the issue of insufficient charging
infrastructure being available at any given
airport. Being a safe and quick option for
getting discharged battery-powered GSE
operational again quickly, it could prove
a very popular option for some ground
handlers, Xu believes.
A third new product on display was
very much a first for Weihai Guangtai: a
passenger boarding bridge (PBB). The new
system reflects the company founder’s the market, Xu informs. PBB, but should be ready for deployment
ambition to offer all types of GSE and on- It has taken something like five years sometime next year. Some product
apron aircraft handling infrastructure to to design and develop this prototype development and certification from the
Winter 2021 | airsideint.com 15M A N U FACT U R E R S | W E I H A I G UA N GTA I
relevant aviation authorities are still
Matt Chaffin, vice president
required and, as a totally new area of
and general manager at
development for the company, “It has Textron GSE
been a big challenge for us,” Xu says.
As with the other new products, there
has already been a lot of interest in the
PBB design, he adds. The company is
likely to look at China for initial sales
– and there is no shortage of potential
demand in a country that has a hugely
impressive plan for both new airport
construction and current airports’
expansion – but the aim will be to offer
the system across the global airport
market in time.
Finally, an all-new aircraft rescue and
firefighting (ARFF) vehicle was also
demonstrated at the factory in Weihai.
The company has been offering ARFFs
to airports for a decade or so and is,
alongside non-Chinese providers such
as Rosenbauer and Oshkosh, a well-
respected supplier of such vehicles to the
Chinese market.
This latest ARFF has been in
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16 Airside International | Winter 2021W E I H A I G UA N GTA I | M A N U FACT U R E R S
development for some years and Weihai Guangtai has always been very want to have more and more innovative
incorporates state-of-the-art technology flexible and placed great emphasis on ideas to contribute to an even better
and a high level of capability, Xu customer care, and the gathering enabled industry.”
notes. It has performed well in testing, it to gain more interaction with its Green, battery-powered designs are
and benefits from component parts customer base. “We want to meet all our likely to be a key aspect of that. From the
manufactured by well-established and customers’ needs, even though we know first lead acid batteries that the company
well-respected suppliers such as Scania there is no perfect product,” Xu notes. used for electric GSE a decade ago it
for the engine, Twin Disc for transmission “We will always listen to our customers has moved on to add lithium battery
and Kessler for axles. and act on their requirements. That is technology and is now investigating the
very much part of our corporate culture.” potential for hydrogen-powered GSE. “We
Excitement So is the desire to offer reliable, good are always looking ahead,” Xu declares.
A lot of customers who took the quality products at a competitive price, Xu And, while China is a huge market, the
opportunity to look over these new continues, with those elements supported company is also keen to further develop
products were excited by their modern by strong after-sales service. its international footprint. Indeed, Xu
concepts and technologies. In fact, says Supporting all that are new methods would like to see Weihai Guangtai act as
Xu, “They were stunned” by some of what by which customers can maximise the a bridge between the Chinese market and
was on display. benefit of their GSE, including telematics the rest of the world, especially in terms
“We have had a lot of feedback from and fleet management systems that of ideas and technologies.
the day and questions from potential Weihai Guangtai is now exploring. “Our door is always open and we
customers, many of which were very As to the future, the company will be welcome enquiries from anyone looking
practical. These were fed back to our looking to help the aviation industry to enter the Chinese market, while also
engineering department.” become more efficient and even “cleaner”, wanting to help Chinese companies
As such, the day was a “really good says Xu. Meanwhile, “Our brand will develop their own global contacts,” Xu
education” for the company, he adds. become ever more established and we concludes.
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Winter 2021 | airsideint.com 17F E AT U R E | A I R F I E L D G R O U N D L I G H T I N G
ADB SAFEGATE’s new solutions offer greater sustainability
for operators through ‘smarter’ power consumption. DPS
and APS alternative power technologies – such as in use
here at Belgium’s Charleroi Airport – have proven to save
more than 95% on energy consumption versus halogen
and more than 60% Warwick Brady,toSwissport
compared president
traditional and CEO
LED solutions
in use on airfields today
Keeping the
A
DB SAFEGATE is very much a
lights on leading player in AGL provision
and system installation, with
airfield lighting being an important
component of its overall product
mix. The company’s integrated
solutions for the airfield, gate, tower and terminal offer
to “raise efficiency, improve safety, boost environmental
sustainability and reduce operational costs” for both
Some airfield ground lighting (AGL) projects have airports and airlines.
Products across its wide-ranging portfolio are designed to
gone ahead as planned despite the downturn
“loosen operational bottlenecks” that exist anywhere from
in the aviation industry and the many social “aircraft approach to departure”.
Joe Pokoj was appointed ADB SAFEGATE’s global
distancing requirements of the pandemic, and
chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice president
the market is not perhaps as depressed for those (airfield) in September (he also retained his previous role
of CEO Americas). As the company’s COO, Pokoj oversees
companies that supply airfield lamps, fittings and ADB SAFEGATE’s operations in terms of production,
other ancillary equipment as might be expected supply chain and quality assurance.
Talking to Airside soon after his appointment, Pokoj
explained that there had been significant developments at
the company in the months leading up to that point, based
primarily on changes introduced by Laurent Dubois, who
took over as CEO in spring 2020.
18 Airside International | Winter 2021A I R F I E L D G R O U N D L I G H T I N G | F E AT U R E
Dubois set in motion a restructuring of growth in Asia, while Pokoj has also been
the business, putting focus on responsibility “pleasantly surprised” by how the North
across all areas of the company, Pokoj American market has maintained its
explains. He introduced a new senior vivacity over the last year and a half.
leadership team that is based on six sales AGL projects have also continued in Latin
regions alongside a number of different America, such as the big infrastructure
business lines (such as ‘gate’ and ‘airfield’) upgrade at Peru’s Lima International
and company functions (such as finance Airport in which ADB SAFEGATE has
and human resources). played an important role.
“It’s all about accountability and Plus, ADB SAFEGATE was also awarded
responsibility,” Pokoj says. Moreover, the a part in the Dublin Airport North
new corporate structure has stimulated Runway Project in early 2020 for supply
greater co-operation and collaboration “weathering the storm”, says Pokoj. And and commissioning works across the full
across the different areas of the company, ADB SAFEGATE has done just that, he airfield product range for the airport’s new
he believes. advises, its position as a market leader runway and all associated new taxiways.
Pokoj’s colleague, Regardt Willer, head helping it to manage the straitened Three months into the project, the Covid-19
of ADB SAFEGATE’s airfield business line, circumstances in which the aviation pandemic struck, but ADB SAFEGATE
adds that the new organisational structure industry has found itself during the was able to fulfil all the aspects of the
has also enabled the company to focus Covid-19 pandemic. work for which it is responsible completely
on its core areas of business and its core Indeed, Pokoj says, ADB SAFEGATE has successfully – with everything delivered
competencies. not “lost any ground” during the pandemic, and installed on schedule – and the whole
but rather has “broken into new areas”. package is on track for full handover in
Weathering the storm Some markets have performed surprisingly early 2022.
The last 18 months have been all about well, he notes, the company having seen In the Middle East, the company has
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Winter 2021 | airsideint.com 19F E AT U R E | A I R F I E L D G R O U N D L I G H T I N G
Germany, on 30 September, though the
official announcement was made in
Eckental, Germany, on 4 October.
The acquisition process first began with
the two companies partnering with key
customers, and – says ADB SAFEGATE
– it quickly became evident that aligning
formally “made sense for our customers”.
The third strategic priority Pokoj points
to is the plan for ADB SAFEGATE to
strengthen its supply chain. He wants to
see the company and its suppliers act as
genuine partners, working closely together
for mutual benefit.
Finally, innovation, both in terms of
products and operational processes, is
going to be key to the future of the industry
– and to a smooth recovery of the sector
– as well as to ADB SAFEGATE’s own
business success, he believes. This will be
seen in many aspects of operations, not
least in terms of greater automation and
Hard at work at the ADB SAFEGATE facility in Tianjin optimised use of resources in the business’s
manufacturing processes as it prepares for
put its focus on services and delivering the own ongoing fixed costs. future growth.
highest level of support to airports during The innovation centre at Columbus will
the pandemic, such as offering a full suite Priorities help in this regard. A similar centre will be
of AGL maintenance services to long-time Pokoj’s own priorities over recent times located in Brussels.
partner Abu Dhabi Airports Company have lain in four areas, he informs. New products will be another example of
(ADAC) and other customers in the region. The first of these has been the ADB SAFEGATE’s emphasis on innovation.
The downturn in the aviation industry development of an entirely new A new range of inset lights is just about
has also represented a period in which manufacturing plant in Tianjin, China, that to be launched, for example, the light
the company could once again fully focus is now up and running. source benefiting from state-of-the-art
on what is most important, says Pokoj Secondly, ADB SAFEGATE is about to monitoring and control technology within
– its customers. In fact, it has actually break ground on a state-of-the-art facility in the company’s LINC 360® communications
brought the company closer to many of its Columbus, Ohio, in the US. The site is going system designed for optimising performance
customers. to triple in size from its current footprint within an airfield lighting control and
Willer adds that ADB SAFEGATE and will also include a new innovation and monitoring system (ALCMS).
quickly adapted to new ways of working. training centre. It will have a new “campus- “We’re offering smarter assets for
This has included providing support and type feel”, Pokoj suggests. improved remote control and monitoring,”
training to customers remotely when The new Tianjin and Columbus plants says Willer, who also notes that ADB
face-to-face communication has not been will represent a significant expansion SAFEGATE’s new solutions offer greater
possible. While personal interaction in manufacturing capacity, grow the sustainability for operators through
remains the preferred option whenever company’s systems support capability and ‘smarter’ power consumption. In this
possible, there is likely to be a balance enable it to exploit “new opportunities in regard, ADB SAFEGATE is building on
to be found between that and remote the Chinese and US markets”, he says. its success with greener products that it
communication in any new industry They will also support ADB SAFEGATE’s has introduced at locations such as Paris
‘normal’, he suggests. acquisition strategy, which in early October Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam
Willer also notes that challenges faced saw the firm acquire Protec Automation Airport Schiphol.
by airport operators could open up new GmbH, a company specialising in For instance, it has worked with
perspectives for ADB SAFEGATE as airfield lighting control systems, power its airport operator partner at the key
airport authorities look to outsource technologies and services in the field of European air hub of CDG on upgrading and
functions – perhaps AGL maintenance industrial automation. re-using AGL infrastructure and equipment
and the like – in order to minimise their The deal was closed in Mannheim, rather than replacing older equipment as
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and since then the company has continued
to grow (although today it no longer supplies
navigational aids). Its portfolio encompasses
transformers, cables and connectors,
constant current regulators (CCRs), lamps
and lamp fittings, portable lighting options,
beacons and calibration devices.
Following the acquisition of a failing
company that produced equipment such
as airport signage and specialised AGL
components, including transformers,
ALS was formed in 2008 to carry on that
company’s work as the latter struggled.
Its production capacity was moved to
Wickford and everything was brought
under one roof there.
The Wickford plant now primarily
manufactures signage and CCRs for sale in
the UK and mainland Europe.
An artist's impression of the planned ADB SAFEGATE Acquiring the failing company’s
Columbus site in Ohio manufacturing capacity was “a brave move”,
Spicer notes, representing the first time that
part of an airfield lighting upgrade there. ‘smarter’: maximising the value of such the family had actually branched out into
This greener option – a ‘circular economy’ systems through sophisticated monitoring manufacturing – whereas IAVNA had only
of re-using and upgrading rather than and control capabilities providing data that stocked other manufacturers’ brands.
replacing – offers significant environmental can also be fed to other elements of airport The third company under Spicer’s
benefits, Willer notes. management such as maintenance and leadership, Parkinson Richmark, specialises
repair teams. in the design and supply of airside safety
The future is bright ADB SAFEGATE is planning an products for both commercial and military
Looking forward, Pokoj believes the innovation event late next year, which airports. It is perhaps best known for its
coming months will see the Asian and will bring customers as well as company reflective markers used on the centrelines
American (both North and South) markets executives together. and edges of runways and taxiways, as well
perform comparatively well, although the as on other areas of an apron, but it also
European market may remain relatively Three-pronged approach offers marshalling equipment, windsocks
subdued and the Middle East could stay Keith Spicer is managing director of three and masts, wheel chocks and even high-
pretty much as it is. partner companies engaged in the provision visibility clothing. Richmark’s assets were
One possible reason for the Europe of AGL systems. One is International acquired in 2019 but not its share capital;
aviation industry’s slower recovery from Airport Visual & Navigational Aids full acquisition of the company was
the pandemic is its comparatively small (IAVNA), the second is Airfield Lighting completed in April this year.
domestic aviation market, Willer opines. Systems (ALS) and the third is Parkinson These three companies serve a global
What he does not doubt is that airports will Richmark. All three are based at Wickford market, including civilian gateways such
continue their efforts to move away from in Essex, UK, and each has its own role as Dubai International (operated by Dubai
halogen to LED lighting on the airfield. In to play in supporting civilian and military Airports) and Manchester Airport Group
fact, there is not really even a discussion airports’ and airfields’ aeronautical ground (MAG), military airports such as Royal Air
about this anymore, he suggests: “Halogen lighting systems. Force (RAF) stations in the UK and also
is very much in the rear view mirror now.” IAVNA is one of the world’s largest the big AGL system contractors, many of
Airport operators that might not be quite stockists of AGL equipment, offering both them very well known.
up to speed on this trend might suffer its own and other leading brands. The Spicer’s companies do not get involved in
in the future, as spare parts and support company was established in 1979 by Spicer’s system installation or integration as such,
mechanisms for halogen lamps become father, Roy, who had identified a gap in the except at smaller gateways; instead, they
scarcer, Willer observes. market for readily available lighting and support the big contractors that are asked to
Alongside this is the continued navigation spares. undertake these big projects.
progression as AGL systems become Keith’s father retired about 15 years ago Demand has held up pretty well despite
22 Airside International | Winter 2021You can also read
