Mallaghan has launched the SkyBelt belt loader, providing airlines with safer, more efficient and sustainable ground handling solutions.

The Mallaghan SkyBelt, which will be manufactured at its factories in Dungannon, Northern Ireland and Atlanta, Georgia is fitted with a patented lifting system and an array of advanced sensor systems to reduce the risk of accidental damage to aircraft.

Its lifting system allows for vertical boom movement without unintended lateral/transverse movement, which risks fuselage damage and adds unnecessary difficulty to the operational procedure.

The auto-raise function prevents contact with the aircraft during loading and unloading and its automatic height adjustment system allows for automated boom movement and tracking to the aircraft bin door level as the aircraft height changes during unloading.

The electric belt loader offers extended run hours, remote diagnostic capabilities and Mallaghan’s engineering team have coupled a fully electrified propulsion system with powerful lithium-ion batteries.

Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer of Mallaghan, said: “Our innovative SkyBelt will deliver several key benefits to customers, including reducing instances of aircraft damage, savings in on-going maintenance costs, and most significantly, enhancing their sustainability credentials at a time when the industry is putting a collective focus on responsible business.”

He added that the SkyBelt is expected to be popular in the US aviation industry with units being deployed at major airports including Seattle-Tacoma, Los Angeles and New York LaGuardia.

The SkyBelt has a modular robust chassis design and an AC traction motor with integrated electric park brake coupled to the rear axle differential.

Customers can choose additional features including a Collision Avoidance System, collapsible/fixed handrails and package rails, and more.