Category: September 2024

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.”