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Honda tests Autonomous Work Vehicle in Toronto

Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle resizedHonda has demonstrated its fully-electric prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at Toronto Pearson International Airport to test its use in airfield operations.

The demonstration tested its use in security perimeter fence inspections and was conducted in collaboration with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority along with technology leaders including Cisco Canada, Genwave Technologies, Illuminex AI and Eagle Aerospace.

For the Toronto demonstration, Honda showcased the AWV’s perimeter inspection capabilities leveraging its mapping and obstacle detection features, allowing it to navigate inspection routes and slow down or stop to avoid colliding with an obstacle.

The proof-of-concept perimeter fence inspection uses technologies from multiple tech companies, with Cisco Ultra Reliable Wireless Backhaul providing the wireless networking backbone for private connectivity to the airfield, Genwave Technologies designing, integrating and supporting wireless networks such as Cisco’s IoT Ultra Reliable Wireless Backhaul platform, Illuminex AI’s Operational AI System providing real-time assessments of airfield conditions and potential hazards, and Eagle Aerospace’s AIROps cloud-based software offering real-time automated logging of discrepancies during the inspection process.

Jason VanBuren, System Engineering Manager at American Honda Motor Co, said: “As we work toward commercialising the Honda AWV, we want to understand the needs of airfield operators and airport authorities to create new value by streamlining operations, enhancing safety performance and helping to meet airfield environmental sustainability goals.”

Honda is looking for other use cases such as hauling and transporting aircraft parts and equipment, mowing for vegetation control, working as a foreign object debris (FOD) tool and towing baggage carts and trailers to and from aircraft.

The AWV uses a camera for real-time monitoring and a suite of sensors to operate autonomously including GPS for location and radar and LiDAR for obstacle detection.

SAASA awarded Radioactive Material License by IPEN

SAASA jpg resized croppedServicios Aeroportuarios Andinos (SAASA) has been awarded the Radioactive Storage License issued by the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy (IPEN).

The facility at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima is the first air cargo customs warehouse in Peru to be certified by IPEN, which issues licences to warehouses which comply with high safety standards, handling and storage requirements and are capable of providing appropriate care for radioactive materials, says Guillermo Vega, Safety & Security SAASA.

Products covered by the licence are radioactive products in the medical, industrial, agricultural and research sectors.

Vega says the licence is evidence of compliance with laws and regulations on the control, handling and storage of radioactive materials set out by IPEN.

“SAASA is completely aware of the relevance in guaranteeing our customers and users that such a delicate and sensible matter is given the importance it has. Furthermore, we are proud of becoming the first and only air warehouse in being certified by the competent body,” said Vega.

To receive the licence, staff were trained as Special Cargo Inspectors of radioactive material in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

It was necessary for SAASA to have operational procedures for the reception, acceptance, handling and storage of radioactive material, and a radioactive material Emergency Response Plan.

SAASA needed facilities and an area for radioactive material and radiation level measurement and control measures.

“Our radioactive material storage area is located in an isolated area and is duly fenced and monitored by our personnel on duty as well as by our CCTV. It is considered a restricted area and only properly trained personnel have access to said area,” said Vega.

Vestergaard helps United Ground Express go electric

Vestergaard e electric chassis resized croppedVestergaard Company has named United Ground Express as the North American launch customer for the Elephant e-Mini MY Lite and new and refurbished e-VTS units.

The fully electric de-icing and vacuum toilet service units are built on the electric Vestergaard e chassis.

The electric chassis is available in 9, 12 and 20 MT configurations with a 27 MT unit planned for the near future.

They offer common parts and improved efficiency for operators and maintenance training.

Peter Haug, VP Sales North America at Vestergaard, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our two new, sustainable ground support units in North America. In collaboration with UGE, we support their UGEco mission for an environmentally committed and carbon-neutral future.”

Calgary airport to receive 6 more Vestergaard e-BETAs

e-BETAs in action resizedFSM Group has placed an order for another 6 Elephant e-BETA de-icing units from Vestergaard Company to use at Calgary International Airport.

The 6 new units add to the 12 purchased last year for the Calgary Central De-icing Facility and will be in operation in autumn this year.

The Elephant e-BETA is electrically operated with a hybrid option and has been in operation in Canada, the US and Europe for several years.

Anders Larsen, Chief Sales Officer of Vestergaard, said: “We are delighted to once again have earned the trust of FSM Group and to be recognized for our dedication to quality and sustainable innovation. This order not only reaffirms our position in the market but also motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries and setting new industry standards.”

DHL Express to cut ground emissions with mobile charging carts

DHL Express mobile charging cart resized croppedDHL Express will role out JBT AeroTech mobile charging carts at select US airports to carbon emissions in ground operations.

The cart, which was unveiled at the International GSE Expo in Las Vegas, serves as a mobile charging platform for battery-powered ground support equipment, saving around 800 tons of carbon emissions a year.

It will meet charging demands that current airport infrastructure cannot meet and DHL will replace older combustion powered equipment with new eGSE, which can be charged by the new unit.

The AmpCart, designed by JBT AeroTech, has 4 to 6 chargers with 2 output charging cables each for a total of 8 to 12 charging connectors.

It can also act as a backup system in the case of a power outage, allowing ground equipment to continue normal operations.

The charging cart will be introduced at San Diego International Airport next month and then at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express US, says, “Mobile charging technology is a significant step forward in DHL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting ambitious sustainability goals in the coming years. We’re looking at ways to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious across all aspects of our operation.”

OSHKOSH acquisition brings huge opportunities for JBT AeroTech

AmpCart cropped resizedPresidents of JBT AeroTech and OSHKOSH, Vocational chose the International GSE Expo to exclusively chat to journalists about the recent acquisition and the growth plans for the future.

The OSHKOSH $820 million acquisition of JBT AeroTech was successfully completed on 1 August, following the strategic decision announced last year by JBT’s CEO, Brian Deck to separate JBT’s FoodTech and AeroTech business.

OSHKOSH Corporation is a Fortune 500 company US-based industrial technology company, one of the world’s largest manufacturer of fire trucks that comes under its vocational business segment which JBT AeroTech now joins.

Jim Johnson, OSHKOSH Corporation Executive Vice President and President, Vocational, said: ”We made the acquisition because we think JBT AeroTech is a fantastic company, primarily the people and equipment that you see here today but also this is a growing market. The airport infrastructure spending project happening today and the projected growth over the next decade correlates with increased projected passenger traffic, so we’re excited because we purchased a great company in a growing market.”

David Burdakin, President of JBT AeroTech told the press: “We couldn’t be more excited. Just like JBT AeroTech, OSHKOSH designs and builds products for maximum reliability. But it’s more than just the products, the most important thing is the culture, and we have very similar values that are people oriented. One of the key OSHKOSH values is people first and that’s a great foundation and great culture, and we’re already experiencing that benefit.”

JBT AeroTech now has access to a much larger supply chain. “Our buying clout has gone up five times, so it makes large suppliers more interested or more important to our suppliers. It also opens up the door to new suppliers, which is really important right now, as we continue to ramp up to record production,” said Burdakin.

Also on growth opportunities he added: “We’re looking at growth, not just through new products and product technology, but also potentially through acquisitions.”

Other positive synergies to come out of the acquisition centre around the R&D capabilities of both companies with OSHKOSH working on the same technologies as JBT AeroTech in the areas of electrification, sustainability and automation.

One of the innovative solutions on display at the Expo is the new Ampcart towable charging platform which has been designed to help overcome charging infrastructure challenges at airports.

It provides electrical power to stations or parts of the airport where there is no charging infrastructure and allows them to switch their GSE from diesel to electric.

Other exciting technologies Burdakin mentions are JetDock and AmpTeck, a load sharing technology, with 7 already in production. It draws power off of a passenger boarding bridge when it’s not in use thanks to its smart technology, allowing efficient eGSE charging without costly infrastructure and grid upgrades.

“When there is no aircraft at the gate, you can utilize that power for charging stations or the passenger boarding bridge without any additional infrastructure feeding into the airport,” explained Burdakin.

Other technologies and GSE at the Expo included the Ranger Electric Cargo Loader and B250 Electric Pushback Tractor and the Tempest-i Deicer as well as LEKTRO tow vehicles and more.

Chuck Durst, President – Ground Support Equipment, JBT AeroTech, said: “Our presence at the International GSE Expo is about more than just showcasing products. It’s about focusing on the future needs of the aviation industry and sharing our vision for sustainable, efficient and reliable ground operations. Our featured equipment and advanced technology are designed to revolutionise ground support equipment and services and the demands of this industry for many years to come.”

Vestergaard strengthens North American leadership team

Vestergaard North America appointments cropped resizedVestergaard Company has promoted leaders in North America to manage growth in the region.

Brock Crocker has been promoted to the role of Managing Director of Vestergaard Company US where responsibilities include overseeing increased assembly and manufacturing.

Peter Haug has taken the role of VP of Sales, North America, spearheading efforts to expand market presence, enhance customer relationships and drive sales growth.

Kalie Sadowski, Customer Service Manager will manage the Service Program, catering for customer needs with factory-trained technicians offering service options including annual service inspections and summer overhauls for Vestergaard Company and Kalmar units.

LAWA picks partners for LAX Cargo Modernization Program

Picture credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Picture credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has selected LAX Community Partners as the developer for the LAX Cargo Modernization Program.

Los Angeles International Airport is the 5th largest cargo airport in the US by tonnage, handling more than 2.7 million tons last year.

It has 3 cargo areas with 27 buildings totalling 2.6 million square feet and 3.5 million square feet of ramp area.

The airport says the facilities range from 20 to 80 years old and have reached their end of their useful life and are not compatible with current industry standards.

LAX Community Partners, a partnership between Realterm and JLC Infrastructure, a joint venture between Magic Johnson and Loop Capital has experience with airports, with Realterm being one of the largest developers of on-airport cargo facilities in North America.

JLC Infrastructure, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Jim Reynolds, has invested in other airport projects including New York LaGuardia Central Terminal B and the John F. Kennedy International Airport New Terminal One P3.

Marlon Smith, Managing Director of JLC Infrastructure, says, “As a member of LACP and an equity investor in the project, we are honoured to be involved in a project that will improve cargo operations at LAX while also aligning well with JLC’s sustainability and clean energy goals. This project is particularly special to our co-founder, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as it betters LAX and benefits the Los Angeles community. It has the potential to create significant jobs for the local community and provide diverse, local and small enterprises with tremendous opportunities to participate.”

David Rose, Managing Director – Airport Infrastructure at Realterm, adds, “Realterm prioritises flexibility, sustainability, technology and community in all aspects of its projects. Our partnership with JLC successfully blends international best practices with superior local engagement and, through our partnership with LAWA, we look forward to serving as a positive economic engine for the local surrounding communities.”

Quantum-South helps Amerijet optimise aircraft loading

Amerijet plane loading in a lineup resized Amerijet International and logistics technology company Quantum-South have completed a proof of concept project to optimise aircraft loading.

The project studied loading to improve load factors and revenue per flight by examining data from more than 400 flights.

Using its solution, Quantum-South found that payloads could be increased by up to 30% and volumes by 76% when loaded differently with Quantum-South replacing the previous load plan of PAG and PQA containers with an optimised plan using containers including AKEs, TYPE A1, TYPE A FRONT and TYPE A AFT units.

Quantum-South’s solution features an Aircraft Load Optimization module maximise weight, volume, priority and revenue mix with a focus on optimising the centre of gravity.

The Air Cargo Bin Packing module selects shipments to optimise the booked priority with container assignment and precise instructions on how to build the container such as the location and order of placement for each piece in the shipment.

The solution was seamlessly integrated with Amerijet’s cargo management system, powered by the SmartKargo backend application to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cargo operations.

Dr Rafael Sotelo, Co-Founder and President of Quantum-South, says, “The project’s success at Miami International Airport demonstrates the significant potential of our cutting-edge solution in optimizing cargo load factors. We are excited to continue working with Amerijet International and uncover more optimisation opportunities to further enhance their operations.”

Eric Wilson, Chief Commercial Officer of Amerijet International, adds, “Optimising flight load plans and augmenting process efficiency helps us provide the best capacity offering to our customers while maximising the load of every flight. Quantum-South’s solution has the potential to bring significant benefits to our operations, increase revenues and reduce emissions, and we look forward to further collaboration to uncover more optimisation opportunities.”

United Airlines invests in Electric Power Systems

United_Airlines_EPS_Module resized United Airlines has invested in Electric Power Systems (EPS), a company producing battery technology for uses in the air and on the ground.

EPS’s compatible module technology can be adapted to support a variety of batteries with United looking at using the technology in its ground equipment and electric aircraft.

United says EPS’s battery modules could be used to charge electric ground equipment, electric aircraft when they come into service, electrified auxiliary power unit start products and electrified cold-chain storage product for cargo containers.

EPS aims to provide a battery ecosystem for aviation from packs on aircraft to charging stations on the ground, which is designed to keep costs low and provide rapid charges without degrading battery life.

United is also exploring ways to move its pilot training academy, Aviate, away from internal combustion-powered training aircraft to electric ones, with EPS’s powertrain potentially serving as the core propulsion system for a family of future electric aircraft concepts.

Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, said: “What makes EPS’s technology different and exciting is the scope of operational possibilities where we have the option to deploy it today and, in the future, to help electrify and decarbonise our operations.”

Nathan Millecam, CEO of EPS, added: “United’s investment will enable us to scale our operations and expedite the development of our cutting-edge powertrain solutions. By working together, our aim is to revolutionise air travel and build a more sustainable future for the industry.”

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