TNA to assemble tugs in the US
TNA Aviation Technologies, a supplier of highly advanced semi-robotic aircraft tugs and ground support equipment in North America, has announced that it is to assemble its aircraft tugs in the US. The company supplies state-of-the-art remote operated tug vehicles and a wide range of German sourced towbarless aircraft re-positioning systems for the aviation industry.
Greener future for San Diego
The US transportation sector is well known as a main source for the production of carbon emissions and in San Diego, transportation accounts for more than 50% of all carbon emissions. In an effort to ameliorate this situation, San Diego Gas & Electric has filed a number of proposals with the California Public Utilities Commission, with the view to installing tens of thousands of electric charging stations. These will encourage the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles, trucks, shuttle buses and delivery fleets.
“SDG&E has spent more than a decade reducing our carbon footprint through the rapid expansion of clean energy. We all want to breathe cleaner air, which means slowing down the impacts of climate change will require an increased focus on the areas that produce the most harmful emissions,” commented Caroline Winn, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are committed as a business and a community partner to improving lives by developing meaningful solutions.”
If SDG&E’s proposals are approved, then additional electric charging stations would be installed at San Diego International airport and the Port of San Diego; these will be used for delivery fleets, taxis and rideshare facilities, Park and Rides and residential homes throughout the region. Such a programme will be building upon the company’s efforts to install an electric charging infrastructure in 350 apartments, condominiums and businesses as part of the bigger Power Your Drive scheme.
The filing is in response to Senate Bill 350 which has recognised the vital role energy companies like SDG&E will play in widespread transportation electrification by installing and expanding the charging network and other necessary infrastructure.
In overall terms, SDG&E’s transportation electrification proposals are looking to jump start the EV sector as well as test cutting edge technology. The larger residential project would focus on customer homes and smart charging with special EV rates to encourage off-peak charging. In turn, the residential charging programme will involve the installation of up to 90,000 charging stations at single family homes throughout the company’s service area whilst airport electrification will see provision for up to 45 charging ports to enable electrification of approximately 90 new pieces of ground support equipment at San Diego International. The port will benefit from charging stations and research meters to amass data on the electric vehicles operating there; and the installation of grid-integrated charging stations for just under 100 delivery vehicles is seen as an important step forward. The same technology will be rolled out at four Park and Ride locations
Jet Aviation begins operations at Washington Dulles
Jet Aviation has announced the acquisition of Ross Aviation’s FB
O location at Washington Dulles International airport.
As demand for FBO services increases, Jet Aviation’s operation has grown to over 20 FBO stations across the globe. This latest facility at Washington Dulles includes six hangars, ten acres of ramp space and a refurbished FBO terminal building, which features on-site Customs and Immigration clearance, a VIP lounge, flight planning centre, executive conference room and car rental facilities.
Jet Aviation Group President Rob Smith said that the company was delighted to have further expanded its FBO network in the US, adding: “Washington Dulles is well connected to Jet Aviation’s other US locations, particularly Teterboro airport, and with a large volume of international traffic it’s a significant expansion of our global network.
“Jet Aviation’s unparalleled hospitality and premium customer service makes us a great addition to Washington Dulles, just in time for the Presidential Inauguration,” he concluded.
Jet Aviation’s new FBO facility is to become the company’s ninth location in the Americas.
MRO company FEAM doubles its operation in just three months
On January 3, F&E Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering, or FEAM, announced the launch of eight new line maintenance stations in the US, helping to almost double the size of the operation in just three months.
FEAM’s most recent operations are located at Paine Field, Everett, Washington; Seattle-Tacoma International airport; Phoenix Sky Harbour International airport; Denver International airport; Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport; General Mitchell International airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Orlando International airport; and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. This takes the MRO’s number of line stations in the US up to 24: almost double its total just three months previously.
The new locations of the Miami-headquartered line-MRO will expand its network into the Midwest and further into the West Coast, helping to accommodate its growing base of airline customers around the world.
New lounge opens in Rio
Star Alliance has opened its new exclusive Alliance Lounge at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão – Tom Jobim International airport. The brand new facility is located on Level 3 of the new international departures pier in terminal 2 and is accessible to eligible Star Alliance customers around the clock.
The 600 plus square metre facility offers seating for more than 150 guests and provides beautiful views across the airport and beyond, with key Rio de Janeiro landmarks, such as the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer, visible in the distance.
“This new facility is the latest addition to our line-up of Star Alliance branded lounges, and the only alliance lounge available in RIOgaleão airport,” commented Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab. “The Star Alliance lounge concept has proved hugely popular with the many customers who want to relax before their flight in an exclusive area that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s international frequent traveller.”
In line with the design concept of Star Alliance lounges, local touches and flavours have been combined with global branding elements. Brazilian natural woods, stone and concrete elements have been used to reflect the architectural heritage of the city while introducing greenery and moments of colour that accentuate the city’s close relationship with nature. Handmade Brazilian furniture from renowned designers add a special touch to the overall design and feel, which can best be described as exclusive and at the same time welcoming.
The lounge was designed by Hong Kong-based architecture firm MSA, which was appointed by Plaza Premium, the company which will operate the lounge for Star Alliance.
Kruckeberg Industries enters into agreement with Stinar Corporation
With immediate effect, Kruckeberg Industries has entered into a Management Agreement with Stinar Corporation.
For over 70 years Stinar has been a GSE manufacturer, supplying quality products to both commercial and governmental agencies globally. Primary customers include most major airlines and airport service companies, as well as the US Air Force and Navy.
Kruckeberg Industries is a holding and management company with a top-tier management team. The company pursues strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as joint ventures and business development turnaround opportunities. Under the Management Agreement, Kruckeberg Industries will provide management and oversight services of Stinar’s day-to-day operations. This represents the first phase of co-operation that will lead to an eventual acquisition of Stinar by Kruckeberg Industries.
“The Kruckeberg team is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Stinar to move the company forward,” noted Craig Kruckeberg, CEO of Kruckeberg Industries.
The initial Stinar management team will include Jim Richards and Christopher Thorpe of Kruckeberg Industries; they will serve as General Manager and CFO respectively. Robert Harvey and Robert Gregor of Stinar will continue as CEO and Vice President of Sales & Marketing respectively.
“Stinar’s brand strength and manufacturing expertise paired with Kruckeberg Industries’ strengths in leadership and marketing are a tremendous fit,” Richards adds. “We will work towards elevating Stinar to a world-class level, one which positively impacts customer service, product quality, and operational performance.”
American Airlines launches Dallas-Madrid service
American Airlines announced the launch of a new 787-9 service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Madrid Barajas in Spain.
The widebody service will provide enough space for up to 36 LD3 positions or 12 pallets of freight. Already in operation by the 787-9 is a service from Dallas to São Paulo, with plans to add on the Dallas to Paris Charles de Gaulle route in January next year, followed by Dallas to Incheon a month later.
David Vance, American’s VP Cargo Operations, commented: “The introduction of the 787-9 brings another more fuel-efficient aircraft type with even greater cargo capacity into the American Airlines fleet. On routes where we operate the aircraft, our cargo customers will see notable capacity improvements.” Vance went on to say that increased capacity on the US to Spain route has been in demand for some time.
The airline anticipates the inauguration of four new 787-9s to its network by the end of 2017.
Lithium: looking good
Flux Power Holdings, a developer of lithium-ion batteries to replace lead-acid power in forklifts and other industrial equipment, has reported increased sales of its LiFT Pack batteries for Class III “walkie” pallet jack forklifts for its first financial quarter of 2017.
Company CEO, Ron Dutt, commented: “The industry response to our UL listed LiFT Packs continues to build in scope and excitement, with new enquiries, proposal requests or distribution interest being demonstrated almost daily. At this point our growth trajectory over the next few quarters is principally a function of our production, operations and sales execution because anticipated demand from our existing customers and the available market is substantially greater than our planned production levels.
“Having completed design, testing, and OEM certifications early in calendar 2016, we have built out a high-quality assembly and testing capability that now supports the production of over 100 packs per month with a wholesale value of approximately US$300,000. We are now working to ramp production to 200 packs per month, or roughly US$600,000 per month, during the third quarter of 2017. We also completed the first step in a series of planned sourcing, economies of scale and design cost reduction initiatives that will put our LiFT Pack business on a solid and profitable gross margin footing.
“While our current focus is on the lead-acid replacement opportunity, our longer term vision is to position Flux LiFT Packs as a distributor/dealer or OEM option for new equipment sales.
“Additionally, the airport ground support equipment industry offers future growth opportunities in the next few quarters. A major airline carrier recently completed testing of our GSE Pack, and initial discussions have commenced with the carrier and our distributor regarding a significant purchase order. Flux is being supported by a leading ground service equipment distributor that has arranged other trials.”
Global Aviation Services in growth mode
Global Aviation Services has announced the acquisition of D&D GSE Support, a leading ground support equipment maintenance provider serving Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport. The acquisition further enhances Global’s market position in South Florida and marks the company’s first acquisition. Global has said that it intends to pursue continued expansion by acquiring high quality GSE maintenance businesses across the country.
“I’ve spent nearly 50 years in the GSE maintenance business. We started D&D over 14 years ago to provide really good maintenance at a fair price. We worked hard every day to take care of our customers and to take care of our employees. When we started thinking about selling the business, we knew we had to find a company that shared those same values,” stated Leo Dyke, principal owner of D&D.
Brad Osborn, CEO/President of Global, echoed his comments. “We started Global in 2007, based on the same core values: doing quality work with integrity, earning your customer’s trust and caring for your team. The vision and values of both companies align very well. We have a lot of respect for the work Leo has done. This should be a positive transition for D&D’s customers and we’ll work hard to continue to care for D&D’s employees.”
With immediate effect D&D will become Global Aviation Services. Global’s transition team is already in place, ramping up for the airport’s peak season. The operation will have 14-18 technicians and will serve as a primary hub for GSE maintenance in South Florida and the Bahamas.
FSS signs up AA again
FSS opened a new station in Huntington on September 1, this year, providing above and below the wing handling services for American Airlines. This represents a second American Airlines ground handling services city for the handler, which currently provides such services in Redmond, Oregon.
