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United breaks ground at Houston GSE facility

United Airlines Houston GSE facility resizedUnited Airlines has continued to invest in its Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport hub by breaking ground at a new GSE maintenance facility.

The $177 million GSE maintenance facility is scheduled to open in 2027, supporting a fleet of more than 1,800 vehicles and giving the team more resources to perform critical tasks including charging batteries, fabricating metal and monitoring electronic controls with improved infrastructure and modernised workspaces.

It will provide space for current and future needs with a 25% increase in repair space, a 60% increase in shop space, an 80% increase in storage capacity and a 50% increase in shared spaces.

The 140,000 square foot GSE facility is being designed to meet LEED Silver certification and will be twice the size of the current facility, which is 40 years old and was built when the airport only had 37% of its current gates.

United Airlines is also opening a $16 million Technical Operations Training Center to give employees the necessary training experience.

The 91,000 square foot Technical Operations Training Center will support the delivery of hundreds of aircraft by 2032 and includes sheet metal and composite training shops, desktop simulators and scenario-based engine maintenance and inspection training.

Phil Griffith, Vice President of Airport Operations at United Airlines, said: “With these new facilities, Ground Service Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Technical Operations Training Center, we are enhancing our ability to maintain a world-class fleet while empowering our employees with cutting-edge tools and training.”

The Training Center will house the $6.3 million Move Team Facility, which will centralise Super Tug operations.

United’s Houston Move Team manage over 15 Super Tugs across the airfield, which move hundreds of aircraft daily to support flight departures, remote parking areas and Technical Operations Hangars.

Investing in the Technical Operations Training Center and Move Team supports United’s growth under the United Next strategy.

Under United Next, United plans to introduce more than 500 new narrowbody aircraft into its fleet, increasing available seats per domestic departure by 30%.

Maria Deacon, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at United Airlines, said: “By opening our Tech Ops Training Center, we are setting a new industry standard for real world and specialised training opportunities for United technicians.”

Frontier Scientific constructs Wilmington airport life sciences hub

Frontier Scientific construction at Wilmington airport resizedConstruction of Frontier Scientific Solutions’ cGMP temperature-controlled facilities at Wilmington International Airport is underway with the installation of the first vertical structures.

The project is set to be the largest GMP temperature-controlled facility fully dedicated to the life sciences sector in North America, which will strengthen Wilmington’s position as a critical hub in the global life sciences supply chain.

The facility will enhance the efficiency and security of transporting time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products.

It will play a crucial role in establishing a direct global gateway for life sciences to connect North America and Europe.

Leandro Moreira, COO of Frontier Scientific Solutions, says, “It represents a significant leap forward in our mission to revolutionise the life sciences supply chain. By providing the largest GMP temperature-controlled space in North America, we are not only enhancing operational efficiencies but also ensuring that critical healthcare products reach patients in need without delay.”

Advanced features of the Wilmington facility will include streamlined customs processing through its Free Trade Zone designation, which offers duty deferral and operational efficiencies that are vital for life science products crossing international borders.

Jeff Bourk, CEO of Wilmington International Airport, says, “The construction of this facility marks a pivotal moment for the life sciences industry for ILM Airport and North Carolina. The commitment to developing cutting-edge infrastructure will empower companies to deliver essential healthcare products with unmatched speed and precision, ultimately saving lives.”

Aurrigo develops rain algorithm for Auto-DollyTug

Aurrigo Auto-DollyTug Rain Close Up resizedAurrigo International has developed software so its Auto-DollyTug can operate in heavy rain and snow conditions.

The newly-developed algorithm will help it detect the difference between drops of rain and objects whilst operating in up to 50mm of precipitation per hour.

Combined with new housing to better protect LiDAR sensors, the software means the Auto-DollyTug can move baggage and cargo around airports in intense conditions.

It has been tested in scheduled simulated rain and opportunistic heavy rain, both proved by observations and rain meter readings.

Simon Brewerton, Chief Technical Officer of Aurrigo International, said: “AVs using this technology rely on the reflection feedback of laser beams for localisation and object recognition and, in intense weather, the scattering and absorption of laser beams by raindrops can lead to distorted signals, compromising the vehicle’s ability to accurately perceive its surroundings.”

The two key features of the software are filtering the rain into five spatial zones around the vehicle with the strength of filtering varying on proximity.

The second feature adjusted the field height settings and ‘near field’ low profiles were added due to the differences in scan properties between unfiltered and filtered scans, which made it challenging to detect low-lying obstacles and reflective surfaces.

Sam Layton, Regional VP Singapore at Aurrigo International said that the Auto-DollyTug could operate autonomously with no ghost or intermittent stops, react to a box or person cross its path and safely navigate a T-junction with oncoming traffic.

Layton said: “All of this had to be achieved under 15mm of rainfall per the customer’s requirement, which we successfully passed. Since then, we have increased our capabilities and operated airside on live trials with rainfall of 50mm per hour. This is a real game-changing moment for autonomous vehicles and aviation.”

Manual operations must cease during a CAT5 lightning risk due to the electrocution risk to humans, which happens frequently in places like Singapore due to the rainforest climate and inclement weather.

The development creates the potential to build a fully autonomous turnaround for operations in the worst weather conditions.

Layton said: “Our enhancement, together with other advanced systems, mean flight schedules will be maintained whilst reducing risk of injury to airside workers, two key priorities for airlines, and airport and ground support operators.”

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.

dnata turns Orlando airport into “Station of Tomorrow”

dnata Orlando airport Station of Tomorrow resizeddnata has unveiled the “Station of Tomorrow” at Orlando International Airport, introducing the latest technologies across operations to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The Orlando station sets new standards for ground handling in the USA with dnata’s $3 million investment including a fully electric GSE fleet along with a range of advanced passenger services, telematics, resource management, virtual training and anti-collision systems.

The project is designed to foster economic growth deliver benefits to local businesses and communities by strengthening the local aviation sector.

dnata’s partners in the project include Lufthansa Group, Oshkosh AeroTech, Evitado Technologies and AVIAR.

David Barker, Regional CEO for Americas at dnata, said: “We are proud to invest in Orlando, the home of dnata’s USA Headquarters, and lead the way in shaping the future of ground handling. This initiative aligns with our commitment to implementing practical, scalable solutions that enhance operational performance, safety, and service quality for our airline partners and their passengers.”

He added that dnata is committed to implementing the model across its 22 locations in the USA.

Jörg Mnich, Vice President Commercial Airport Agreements at Lufthansa Group, said: “Especially having Discover Airlines as launching customer at the “Station of Tomorrow” in MCO experiencing this big step in technology development shows the spirit of the partnership that has been established over the past years. We are keen to see the deployment of the tools and equipment to other joint stations across the network in due time.”

Lars Michael Wendel, Nominated Person Ground Operations at Discover Airlines, added: “With the ‘Station of Tomorrow,’ Discover Airlines can offer our customers a new experience that combines efficient technological processes and environmental aspects. We are particularly excited about the new E-GSE and the anti-collision system, which make the turnaround more environmentally friendly and meet the airlines’ high safety standards.”

In Orlando, dnata will operate a fleet of 14 electric GSE units including cargo loaders, pushbacks, bag tugs and belt loaders.

The passenger journey will be enhanced with check-in and baggage kiosks, baggage drop points and conveyor belt management systems to improve the passenger experience and minimise waiting times.

The ground handling system utilises a single digital platform to streamline operations, managing all aspects of ground handling processes from planning and scheduling to execution and reporting.

Advanced telematics systems will monitor real-time equipment usage and performance, enabling data-driven decision-making to reduce downtime and optimise operational efficiency.

The telematics solution ensures that drivers are fully trained and qualified via a direct link to dnata’s Learning Management System.

Virtual reality training complements classroom lessons, featuring scenario-based simulations in a zero-risk environment to build confidence and ensure safe, high-quality service.

The resource management system will optimise workforce and equipment allocation to keep operations agile and make sure resources are utilised efficiently.

AI-powered tools will enhance monitoring capabilities, ensuring safety, accuracy and operational oversight across baggage and ramp operations.

Collision avoidance systems will be implemented to mitigate risks through actionable data insights, enhancing safety and efficiency in ground towing operations.

LACC to build courier terminal at Carrasco airport

Render Terminal Courier_LACC resizedLatin America Cargo City (LACC) will transform the old passenger terminal at Carrasco International Airport into a courier terminal to handle e-commerce cargo.

More than $10 million will be invested in constructing a new building covering more than 5,000 square metres to expand operational capacity and consolidate LACC’s position as a logistics hub for Uruguay.

Bruno Guella, General Manager of LACC, says, “The investment will improve infrastructure, operational capacity and services, and therefore will have a direct and positive impact, both on the experience of courier companies and on the end customer of international e-commerce, who will have access to a simpler and more agile process.”

The building will have space for courier operations, new flight reception areas and loading areas for vans and lorries, providing capacity to respond to demand.

Equipment and technology in the building will include vertical warehouses for automated storage of packages and cold rooms with varying temperature ranges.

Individual areas will be made available to customers who require exclusive operations.

There will also be corporate offices and multipurpose rooms among other capacities.

The project responds to rising e-commerce shipments arriving in Uruguay with official Customs figures reporting a 170% increase in the number of shipments during the second half of 2024 compared to 2023.

Guella says, “Globally, there has been a notable increase in e-commerce products, and Uruguay is no stranger to this trend. This has been an unprecedented challenge for the different airports in the world, which are committed to solutions of various types to address this reality.”

The courier terminal will have dedicated staff and operate 24/7/365 and benefit from the integration of Customs, companies and other organisations that work in the sector.

Work will start next month (February 2025) with construction of the new building starting mid-2025 with the aim of inaugurating the building in the second half of 2026.

Mallaghan CT6000E makes debut at Boston Logan Airport

Mallaghan electric catering truck resizedMallaghan has delivered the first fully electric refrigerated catering truck at Boston Logan International Airport.

The CT6000E, which will be operated by catering company DO & CO, was unveiled in Boston during a ceremony attended by Governor Maura Healey, State Representative Adrian Madaro and Boston City Councillor Gabriela Coletta-Zopata.

The catering truck is the result of a collaboration between Mallaghan and International Motors, which is powered by an electric powertrain, eliminating tailpipe emissions, reducing noise pollution and aligning with efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from GSE.

Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer of Mallaghan, said: “The CT6000E not only reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability but also supports our partners in their pursuit of greener, safer and more efficient operations.”

The CT6000E features new technologies to improve efficiency and safety including an advanced aircraft-controlled approach system to reduce aircraft damage, a 360 degree Birds Eye camera system with an onboard hard drive and on-board telemetry.

Debbie Shust, Vice President of Customer Insights and Experience at International Motors, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Mallaghan to introduce the first fully electric aircraft catering truck in North America—a testament to what’s possible through purposeful collaboration centred around helping customers reach their goals. This innovative zero-emissions vehicle highlights our commitment to delivering products and services that meet each customer’s unique needs.”

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.

Air India awards multiple contracts to SATS and WFS

Members of the SATS WFS and Air India teams resizedAir India has awarded SATS and its wholly-owned subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) contracts at major airports in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

The airline renewed 11 contracts and awarded 14 new contracts for ground and cargo handling services after a global tendering process.

The new stations include Chicago, Washington Dulles, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Milan, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

Bob Chi, CEO Gateway Services APAC at SATS, said: “Our extensive capabilities and global network, along with the exceptional service our teams provide, uniquely position us to offer unparalleled international coverage to our airline partners. We highly value our partnership with Air India and are excited to represent the airline at these locations.”

Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, added: “Streamlining our logistics processes and enhancing service levels across passengers and cargo are instrumental to the ongoing transformation of Air India. By strengthening our partnership with SATS and WFS, we look forward to delivering a world-class operation for our customers around the world.”

Nair to succeed Durst as President of Oshkosh AeroTech

Oshkosh AeroTech leadership transition resizedRanjit Nair will succeed Chuck Durst as President of Oshkosh AeroTech, who will retire in March 2025.

Nair has more than 20 years of experience in the heavy-duty equipment space.

He joins Oshkosh from Epiroc, which recently acquired Stanley Black & Decker’s Infrastructure business where he served as President of Stanley Infrastructure.

Prior to working at Stanley Black & Decker, Nair worked for Deere & Company in roles across the US and globally, including Vice President of Global Supply Management and as CEO of John Deere India.

John Pfeifer, President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, said: “We are confident that Ranjit’s strategic vision and collaborative approach will accelerate our growth, both domestically and internationally. We also want to extend our gratitude to Chuck Durst for his many contributions to the company, which have been instrumental in positioning Oshkosh AeroTech for future success.”

Nair added: “With a strong commitment to a people-first culture, Oshkosh delivers market-leading innovations across a diversified range of end markets. I’m excited to work with the team to advance its offerings for the aviation industry, while delivering exceptional customer value.”

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