Tag: USA

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.”

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.

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.

Rampmaster delivers electric refuelling truck to Signature Aviation

Electric_Vehicle_fueling_on_airport_in_Vail resizedRampmaster has delivered the first zero emission all-electric jet refuelling truck in the US to Signature Aviation.

The refuelling truck is being used at Signature Aviation’s Vail location at Eagle County Regional Airport in Colorado and the 5,000 gallon unit will be integrated into operations where Rampmaster’s diesel units have been in service for several years.

The electric refuelling truck replaces the diesel engine with an electric motor and hydraulic pump powered by lithium batteries.

Leighton Yohannan, CEO of Rampmaster, said: “The partnership with Signature Aviation was strategic in developing our Electric Vehicle (EV) Refueller. It has the only EV chassis, to date worldwide, that meets all aviation industry mandates while also establishing safety standards on airport.”

The electric model offers lithium technology and an encased battery with four feet separation from the electric system to the fuelling pump and tank for safety.

The Battle Motors/BorgWarner Cascadia motion motor and EV chassis meet airport axel weight and aviation requirements.

It offers full battery DC fast charges in less than two hours, which will power eight hours of total pump refuelling run time.

The elongated refueller lifespan is 20 years with 1% degradation a year compared to 10 years of most other designs.

Maintenance is lower than diesel engines and it offers significant fuel savings combined with lower emissions.

The design includes a roof-mounted battery chiller and blanket heater for extreme hot and cold temperatures, which monitors temperature and load for optimal battery utilisation while maintaining the battery temperature of 76F.

The electric refueller has a system similar to the Electric Management System on diesel-powered units, which monitors engine RPMs and PSI, with the electric version slowing motor revolutions for efficiency and improved charging time while saving motor wear and electric utilisation.

The Battle Motor Digital Dash has easy to read actionable data, diagnosis and service manuals, and telematics monitor the chassis and transmits data every three seconds.

Mobileye 8 Connect is standard for all Rampmaster vehicles to prevent and mitigate collisions.

Brad Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Signature Aviation, said: “The introduction of the aviation industry’s first zero emissions electric jet refueller is another transformative step towards our net-zero goals using our innovation test bed at Signature Vail.

“Our collaboration with Rampmaster exemplifies how we’re working with our partners and guests to research, invest, and bring to market innovative technologies to help create a more sustainable future in aviation.”

Mallaghan launches SkyBelt belt loader

Mallaghan SkyBelt resizedMallaghan 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.

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.”

Sage Parts opens global headquarters in Greenville

Sage Parts opens global headquarters in Greenville resized Sage Parts has opened its new global headquarters and distribution operations in Greenville, South Carolina.

The Greenville County facility accommodates distribution operations and houses its new global headquarters including the leadership team, purchasing, finance, customer service, HR, product management and other support departments.

The 103,049 square foot leased building is Sage Parts’ first facility in South Carolina and the $1.7 million investment will create 73 new jobs.

Christopher Pratt, President and CEO of Sage Parts, said: “Sage Parts is very excited to open this new state-of-the-art facility to service our global customer base. After an exhaustive national search, we landed in Greenville County, S.C., for its business-friendly environment, expanding and talented workforce, and high quality of life for our employees.”

Memphis opens Consolidated De-Icing Facility

Memphis airport FedEx deicing facility opening resized Memphis International Airport’s Consolidated De-Icing Facility was opened on Tuesday 29 November, providing a centralised location to perform deicing operations.

The facility has opened in time for the holiday season, consisting of 3.3 million square feet of de-icing pads, which is large enough to de-ice 12 widebody cargo aircraft simultaneously.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributed $174 million to the project and Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority paid $135 million for the facility at the home of FedEx Express’ largest air cargo sorting facility.

With the de-icing pads, message boards eliminate the need for audio communication with pilots, taxiway lead-in lights mean follow-me vehicles or marshallers are not needed and infrared cameras help position aircraft in the bays.

The pads offer more environmentally friendly de-icing procedures with aircraft not being de-iced at the gate, allowing them to depart sooner, reducing the need to be de-iced again.

They have a segregated drainage system and large-volume containers to collect de-icing fluid.

The fluid’s release is metered into the sanitary sewer system, where it breaks down and helps sanitise city wastewater.

The opening ceremony was attended by guests including US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims, Congressman Steve Cohen, City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, MSCAA Board Chairman Michael Keeney, and Memphis International Airport President and CEO Scott Brockman.

Buttigieg says, “This holiday season and every season, it’s critical that American families and businesses get the goods they need when they need them. Memphis International Airport is the biggest cargo airport in the country, and this innovative aircraft de-icing facility is one of the many ways we’re modernizing America’s supply chains.”

Richard Smith, President and CEO of FedEx Express adds, “The timing could not be better as FedEx enters the busy holiday season. This facility is a shining example of how we can help ensure our team members are safely operating throughout the winter season as we deliver outstanding service for our customers.”

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