Raising Their Game

FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 1 VOLUME 25 GROUND HANDLING INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2020

RAISING THEIR GAME A look at the market for hi-lifts ISSUE 1 VOLUME 25 P20 WORLD ANALYSIS P31 BUSINESS UPDATE P40 WATER & TOILET P61 FACTORY VISIT A spotlight on Asia What’s new in Germany? Catching up on the ramp basics The art of the axle ALL i

EASY TO OPERATE

EASY TO MAINTAIN

GREAT RELIABILITY

jbtc.com/aerotech CONTENTS COVER IMAGE Courtesy of JBT AeroTech 20 31

40 54 COVER STORY 34 51

REGULARS FEATURES

04 Editor's Thoughts 11 Legal Column 47 Airport Strategies Alwyn Brice stresses that safety cannot take a Jonathan Stern of Schnader Harrison News from Kazakhstan, courtesy of back seat as the new year unfolds Segal & Lewis presents a case relating to Mainbayar Badarch PRM care 06 Handling Talk 51 Aircra Washing New slot booking facility for Liège airport; 17 GHI Awards Proﬁ le Keeping the operation squeaky clean is Russia's new handling regulations e Deputy Editor pro les the winner important, notes Alwyn Brice of the Rising Star Award 2019 12 IT Report COVER STORY SITA's Air Transport IT Insights 2019 report 20 World Analysis 54 Hi-li s and Loaders details the level of ongoing IT investment in Asia Paci c: was 2019 a year to forget? e Editor tackles the industry's the aviation sector Felicity Stredder spoke to the handling heavyweights: has electric been gaining community about the past 12 months ground this last 12 months? 14 Cargo Ma ers Felicity Stredder brings an update on a new 26 GSE Innovation 61 Factory Visit perishables centre in Sao Paulo e rst live operation of autonomous Alwyn Brice visits a UK company whose GSE has taken place in Toulouse products are in great demand in the US 36 Conference Community GHI's two page guide to what's on where 28 Leadership Martin Dean reveals that frontline GHI EVENTS 38 Green Scene leadership shows the way ahead Stuttgart goes greener still; SAS' sustainable n 13th Asian GHI Conference food concept; and Qantas' 2050 commitment 31 Business Update Marina Bay Sands, Singapore e Editor reports from Trepel in 5-7 May 2020 56 Ramp Safety Brieﬁ ng Germany, where innovation and new n 9th GHI Safety Conference Eurowings Aviation's Dimitry Peters suggests products are much in evidence Tryp Barcelona Apolo, Barcelona a solution towards enhancing ramp e ciency 12-13 May 2020 34 IT Report n 6th Americas GHI Conference 65 GSE Focus A look at Schiphol airport and how it The Sheraton, Buenos Aires What's new in the marketplace? copes with increasing numbers of PRMs 23-25 June 2020 66 Last Call 40 Water and Toilet n 6th African GHI Conference Tuning up before take-o ; and why smiling at Has much happened to the industry Century City Conference Centre, passengers is now not encouraged in India essentials? Felicity Stredder nds out Cape Town 22-23 September 2020

www.groundhandling.com 3 EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

CONTENT DIRECTOR: Max Gosney tel: +44 1322 221144 e-mail: [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR: Alwyn Brice tel: +44 1322 221144 TAKING STEPS e-mail: [email protected] DEPUTY EDITOR: Felicity Stredder tel: +44 1322 221144 e-mail: [email protected] ART DIRECTOR: Andrew Ganassin tel: +44 1322 221144 e-mail: [email protected] ith the arrival of the New Year has come fresh evidence that the PRODUCTION: Sejal Patel ramp remains a dangerous place in which to work. tel: +44 1322 221144 e-mail: [email protected] Shortly before this issue went to press, news emerged of a fall W PUBLISHER: Marc Young from height involving a crew member of a Finnair A320 aircra . e tel: +44 1322 221144 aircra had arrived at Helsinki, the passengers had deplaned but when e-mail: [email protected] DELEGATE SERVICES DIRECTOR: Alice Williams the cabin crew member opened the exit door, she fell 3.5 metres on to the tel: +44 1322 626964 tarmac, sustaining bone fractures in the process. e incident is currently e-mail: [email protected] OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: Ceri Sladden under investigation by the relevant authorities and will surely centre on tel: +44 1322 626966 why the stairs had been removed from the aircra . e-mail: [email protected] SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER: Libby Swayland But this incident is merely the latest in a list: six people fell from the tel: +44 1322 626973 top of a set of boarding stairs at Barnaul airport in Russia last year whilst e-mail: [email protected] CONFERENCE MANAGER: Sian Tickner emplaning a Ural Airlines ight to Moscow. In this instance the stairs tel: +44 1322 626975 collapsed, resulting in the hospitalisation of three passengers. And in 2018 e-mail: [email protected] Emirates Airlines su ered a fatality when a crew CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE: Sophie Skinner-Jones tel: +44 1332 221144 member fell from a parked aircra at Entebbe e-mail: [email protected] airport while preparing the aircra for boarding. CONTRIBUTORS “… the ramp ree cases in three years; there are quite possibly Dimitry Peters, Jonathan Stern & Vladislav Vorotnikov remains a more that have not been documented, since not all dangerous aviation authorities make public their incident data. Ground Handling International is published in February, Whatever the nal number, the fact remains that April, June, August, October & December. place in which Subscription rate per year applies to UK and overseas: such fundamental errors should not feature in the Qualifying subscription: £99 or ¤140 or US$150 to work” Non-industry subscription: £250 or ¤360 or US$380 price of air travel. In an age that agonises over the niceties of gender appellation it seems ironical to this writer that a subject so important as basic safety can be relegated to the back seat. Without a doubt, the woman who fell from the Finnair aircra was extremely lucky: death is not an uncommon consequence in these cases. All of which raises that age-old question: what is being done to address

this situation? I wrote in the last issue of 2019 that the aviation world was www.markallengroup.com looking towards a safer place but given the above litany of accidents, I shall have to reconsider those words. SOPs, training, manuals, specialised Published by MA Business a Mark Allen Group Company conferences and refresher courses all abound – but these alone are Hawley Mill, Hawley Road, Dartford, Kent DA2 7TJ. Tel: 01322 221144 seemingly not enough to prevent mishap. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER MARK ALLEN GROUP To err is human – but perhaps erring on the side of caution on the ramp Jon Benson tel: +44 1322 221144 should become standard practice. e-mail: [email protected]

©2020. All rights reserved. No part of the Ground Handling International may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editor or the Ground Handling International. Advertisements in the journal do not imply endorsement of the products or services advertised. Editor Alwyn Brice Front cover courtesy of JBT AeroTech [email protected] ISSN Number: 1364 – 8330 PRINT Origination CC Media Group. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, NP122YA

4 February 2020 Ground Handling International FIRST OF ITS KIND SAFETY PRODUCTIVITY We’ve set out to build a new single-aisle pushback with one thing in mind—a safer operator experience. It was designed from the ground up to offer best-in-class space and ergonomics—plus unmatched DESIGN ease of maintenance. There’s only one, and it’s coming in 2020. Be the first to see all the features that put this new pushback on top at TugAlpha1.com ALPHA 1

COMING 2020 ©2019 Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. All Rights Reserved. HANDLING TALK INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA Handler Nahco recently announced that it had spent N2bn on the acquisition of ground handling equipment during the fi rst phase of its investment plans. The company also said that it had now commenced the second phase of the exercise, which would entail the purchase of more equipment to improve its operations and service to its clients. Amongst the equipment purchased were four sets of passenger steps from JBT, together with a hi-loader and ALL CHANGE IN RUSSIA? a pair of JBT pushbacks. GOSH Products provided a ground power unit while four he Russian government has introduced of the contract reportedly put at Rub4.2bn tractors were sourced from new requirements for ground handling (around US$80m). AGS. Dizengoff also supplied Toperators, writes Vladislav Vorotnikov. Russian news outlet Meduza reported, citing tractors while a pushback, e Russian Transport Ministry is seeking its own sources, that when taking over luggage beltloader and a toilet bowser to sharply raise the level of penalties for delays handling operations at Sheremetyevo airport, were all supplied by GOSH. in any luggage processing in airports by executives of Sheremetyevo Handling cut the The company subsequently ground handling companies, Russian deputy wages of the baggage handlers by 30-40%. A posted a profi t before tax Transport Minister Dmitry Zverev has said, large number of baggage handlers immediately of N973.1m for the third speaking during a press conference late last le the company, resulting in the overall quarter ended September year. e amendments to the Russia Air Code number reducing to 1,400; this compares with 30, 2019. The fi gure was containing the new rules are currently passing the minimum number of 2,000 required for a N241.3m higher than the the public hearings in the country. practicable operation. total for the same period last e changes are believed to be connected Following the delays, the company year, representing a 32.96% with the mass delays in the baggage processing had to raise wages nearly vefold to an increase over 2018. experienced at Sheremetyevo International unprecedented Rub200,000 (US$3,200) per airport in Moscow in the June and July of month in order to hire new sta fast enough, 2019. Russian airline Aero ot was ned said Mikhail Vasilenko, General Director of Rub290,000 (around US$4,500) for those the airport. delays, a rmed Ekaterina Korotkova, It remains to be seen to what extent the WANTED: A spokesperson for the Moscow prosecution nes will be raised. Speaking earlier this year, RENAISSANCE o ce, speaking during a press conference. Maksim Suraev, Chairman of the Transport Having failed to turn a e delays a ected thousands of passengers Committee of State Duma, Lower Chamber of profi t since 2002, things and some of them missed their connecting the Russian Parliament, called for raising nes are not looking too bright ights as a result; moreover, some ights were tenfold to Rub250 (US$4.2) per passenger for Alitalia. The Italian departing without any luggage on board, the delayed. e Russian Transport Ministry government has said that it prosecution o ce declared. On average, the supported the idea of raising nes, but spoke will prop up the airline for a delay period was up to four hours. against too sharp an increase, claiming that further six months but after Aero ot insisted that it was Sheremetyevo this would entail “the risks of rising prices for that time it will liquidate the Handling who was to blame for the problems, ight tickets in Russia.” carrier if state intervention and that ve executives of that company were In the meantime, some reports indicate proves unsuccessful. Under government red following those delays. that the problems at Sheremetyevo might administration since 2017 On June 1, Aero ot passed its responsibility be far from being over. Russian newspaper and unattractive to outside for luggage handing at Sheremetyevo to Life reported that there were some delays in investors, Alitalia continues Sheremetyevo Handling, but it appears that providing aircra maintenance services by to struggle. If the carrier the company had not made the necessary Sheremetyevo Handling, since several dozens shows no improvement preparations to properly provide service; in of mechanics and engineers went on sick by this summer, it will be particular, it had not hired enough baggage leave in November of 2019 to protest against sold off as one entity, to handlers, Korotkova said. Sheremetyevo low wages. at protest reportedly caused include both the ground Handling signed up to provide ground some delays to aircra departures, although handling and maintenance handling services to Aero ot in Sheremetyevo the information has never been o cially divisions. airport between 2019 and 2022, with the value con rmed by Sheremetyevo airport.

6 February 2020 Ground Handling International HANDLING TALK CONTRACTS New ICAO Manual on ground handling With effect from January 15, LUG air cargo handling round handling forms an integral part of stakeholders involved in the ground handling began serving Delta Air Lines the aviation industry. With the growth of aircra , with particular reference to the in Frankfurt. The US carrier Gof air tra c and the proliferation of safety of operations. has been a LUG customer in third party ground handling companies, Bringing together ground handling Munich for over ﬁ ve years. ground operations at airports have become operations and the principles of safety increasingly complex and potentially management to highlight safety improvements AeroGround Flughafen hazardous. Larger aircra , more numerous that can be made to the overall system, the München, Munich airport’s ground support equipment and faster manual has been developed with regulators in subsidiary responsible for turnarounds all contribute to the challenge of close co-operation with industry bodies IATA, aircraft and baggage handling, improving operational safety. ACI, ICCAIA and ASA. has been awarded one of the ICAO has just published a new manual two licences to provide ground on ground handling (DOC 10121), which handling services at Hamburg is available on the ICAO-NET website. e airport. As a result, AeroGround work is the culmination of several years of can begin providing services work by the ICAO Ground Handling Task there starting in August 2020. Force, chaired by Andrew Badham, Policy The licence has been granted Lead Aerodromes within Future Safety at the for a seven year term. UK’s Civil Aviation Authority. e intent of this manual is to address TAAG-Angola Airlines the ground handling services that form a has signed a partnership vital part of the aviation system and which deal with Skyway Aviation contribute directly to ight and aerodrome Handling Company (SAHCO) safety. Its content provides guidance for all for passenger and ramp handling, cargo services and warehousing, as well as other aviation-related activities.

Nepal Airlines has been preparing to operate fl ights to Narita International airport in ROSS ACQUISITION IN CALIFORNIA Tokyo from January 2020, after Ross Aviation has completed its planned acquisition of the Signature Flight Support it signed an agreement for facility at Jacqueline Cochran airport in ermal, California. is acquisition now gives ground handling and refuelling. Ross Aviation the largest ramp and hangar complex in the Coachella Valley and signals The national fl ag carrier’s the organisation’s growing presence in the region, as well as its appetite for expansion, plans to fl y to the airport were system-wide. hindered previously when it “We see ermal not only as a primary airport serving the Coachella Valley,” said Brian failed to organise a ground Corbett, Chief Executive O cer of Ross Aviation, “but also as an excellent alternative to handling facility. other facilities in the region, which are becoming increasingly congested. We anticipate hosting tra c from a variety of previously traditional destinations in the area, and now Under a recently signed have the ramp space and hangar capacity – along with outstanding passenger and crew agreement, Universal Weather facilities – to accommodate them comfortably throughout the year.” and Aviation’s Universal Aviation China is now providing ground handling at China Capital Jet Beijing, which operates the lone FBO at Beijing Capital airport. Universal has had a presence in China for the past two decades and provides private aviation ground handling at Shanghai Pudong International and Guangzhou Baiyun airports.

Late last year, Menzies Aviation secured three new contracts with Qatar Airways in Sweden and Denmark, marking a major service expansion.

www.groundhandling.com 7 HANDLING TALK

APPOINTMENTS

Richard Prince has taken up the post of CEO at Aviapartner as Clive Sauvé- Hopkins has stepped down.

Airport Terminal Services recently promoted Brian Wood from VP Operations & Customer Service to Chief Operations Ofﬁ cer and Ingrid Braeuninger from VP Sales & Business Development to Chief SLOT BOOKING APP A Commercial Ofﬁ cer. Norwegian’s Board of Directors has appointed Jacob Schram as CEO of Norwegian. PROFITABLE MOVE Schram took up the post on January 1; Geir Karlsen will continue as CFO and Deputy iège Airport Cargo Handling Services channel pick-ups and deliveries,” adds El CEO. (LACHS) has successfully implemented Bouayadi. “We can make sure we have the LNallian’s Slot Booking for Air Cargo, one right sta and equipment available when of the collaborative applications on the LGG the drivers arrive, and prepare the goods Cargo Cloud. proactively. It also enables us to better Within six months of going live the co-ordinate acceptance and warehouse company realised a productivity increase operations, which makes life easier for both of 33%. Other bene ts have included our sta and the drivers, and speeds up smoother peaks and idle times, better usage operations. Prior to using the Slot Booking app of manpower, maximised capacity in terms of the handling of a truck, including paperwork cargo speci cs, an elimination of waiting times and warehouse operations, would take on and better customer service. average three hours. Today, this is done in only Handling almost 200,000 tonnes of freight two hours.” a year and 150 trucks a day, LACHS has seen Aurélie Dethier, Deputy Customer Service IN BRIEF its operations grow by 50% over the past & Operations Manager at Liège airport, two years. One of the key drivers for using comments: “We have implemented the LGG The New Year has started Slot Booking at Liège airport was ensuring Cargo Cloud with the aim of empowering with some good news: after the highest level of customer service while all actors at our airport to drive e ciency several months of stand-off, dealing with this rapid growth. “Our main and transparency in their cross-company the Indian government has ambition was to improve the quality of our processes. We are excited about these results now cleared the way for service, not to work faster. Using the Slot and look forward to shortly extending the a solution to the handling Booking application, we managed to do both,” bene ts of the Slot Booking to the other impasse that occurred earlier explained Hossaine El Bouayadi, IT Manager ground handlers active at our airport.” in 2019, when US carriers and Business Process Development at LACHS. Says Jean Verheyen, Nallian’s CEO: “Liège were forbidden to self-handle Using the Slot Booking app, LACHS makes airport was worldwide the fastest growing in India. The escalation in slots available in the app in the light of their cargo airport in 2018 and we are thrilled tensions between the two capacity, using a wide range of parameters, to see our collaborative applications are countries was eased in early such as cargo type, type of location and day. helping them to drive this growth in their January when the Indian e booker requests a slot and the system cargo operations. Enabling airports to drive government backed down automatically matches availability and demand e ciency and transparency by working as one in its demands. Canada and or proposes alternatives when needed. Drivers is one of the reasons why we designed Nallian Australia also have bi-lateral who arrive with a booked slot enjoy priority for Air Cargo. It is also why we continuously agreements with India but treatment, both when accessing the cargo zone keep on extending our open app ecosystem, for the moment at least, it is and at the registration desk. together with forward-looking players such as the US which is seeing the

“ e Slot Booking app helps us to better Liège airport and their cargo community.” change. deniskrivoy/stock.adobe.com

8 February 2020 Ground Handling International

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10 February 2020 Ground Handling International LEGAL COLUMN

WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS Here Jonathan Stern, counsel at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, highlights a recent legal case involving a PRM: that of Armstrong v. Hawaiian Airlines.

n this particular case, a that the event triggering the passenger named Armstrong “accident” could be construed ew on Hawaiian Airlines as inaction, as was the case in Ifrom Kauai to Brisbane. Olympic Airways v. Husain, Arrived in Brisbane, he was 540 U.S. 644 (2004). ere, a provided with wheelchair service passenger gravely allergic to to the baggage claim, but the cigarette smoke was denied the Qantas employee who, pursuant opportunity to change seats to a pre-existing ground in order to distance himself handling agreement, provided from the cigarette smoke. Such the wheelchair service, advised a declination could be the him that no assistance with his event that would constitute luggage was actually available. an “accident”, even though the Unfortunately, Armstrong did injury also resulted from the not live up to his name for he passenger’s unusual internal subsequently injured his arm reaction to exposure to cigarette li ing one of his bags from the smoke. luggage carousel. Causal or non-causal? The question of liability In the Armstrong case, there was e Montreal Convention an unusual internal reaction to provides the following li ing a bag from the carousel. guidelines. Nonetheless, the Court had to “ e carrier is liable for “In the Armstrong case, there was an decide whether another link in damage sustained in case of the causal chain was unusual death or bodily injury of a unusual internal reaction to li ing a bag or unexpected and external passenger upon condition only from the carousel” to the passenger. e Court that the accident which caused held that the refusal to provide the death or injury took place assistance upon request could on board the aircra or in the parlance, has been noted as “an a passenger’s abnormal internal so qualify. e question is course of any of the operations unexpected or unusual event or reaction thereto, this would whether that refusal was unusual of embarking or disembarking.” happening that is external to the equate to a non-accident event. or unexpected. e Court e issue for the federal passenger.” (See Air France v. However, recognising that observed that the Ninth Circuit court on the airline’s motion Saks, 470 U.S. 392, 405, 1985). injuries generally result from has held that “the jury would for summary judgement was us, if, as in the Saks case, a chain of events, the courts consider industry standards, whether there had been such an the injury results from normal require only that one link in the best practices, expert medical “accident.” An “accident”, in legal operation and is attributable to causal chain quali es. testimony, and any other relevant evidence” to determine whether The carrier’s defence the challenged action was Hawaiian argued that unexpected or unusual (2019 Jonathan Stern is counsel in the Litigation Armstrong’s arm injury resulted U.S. Dist. LEXIS 129971, at Department and a member of the Aviation, from his own internal reaction *22-23, citing Baillie v. MedAire, Insurance Services and Appellate Groups. to normal and expected Inc., 764 Fed. App’x 597, 598, His practice focuses on aerospace-related operations. Armstrong, on the 9th Cir. 2019). Finding su cient litigation, including civil rights cases other hand, maintained that it evidence to raise a question of against airlines, insurance coverage was the unusual and unexpected fact whether the declination and claims handling matters involving declination by Hawaiian’s ground of assistance was unusual or aerospace insurance, and personal injury handler to provide assistance unexpected, the Court denied and wrongful death litigation involving with his luggage that had caused the carrier’s motion for summary aviation products or aviation operations. his injury. e Court recognised judgment. ghi Laiotz/stock.adobe.com

www.groundhandling.com 11 IT REPORT

SITA’s latest sector report, Air Transport IT Insights 2019, makes for interesting reading, ExpendITure declares Alwyn Brice.

ITA is virtually alone in the realm of gathering and distributing sector data, Sparticularly when it comes to areas that are less than mainstream. Carrier and airport IT spend is perhaps typical of these and the company’s annual round- up, as usual, o ers a window on what is happening behind the scenes. It’s an alarming thought, perhaps, but a couple of decades ago few within the aviation sector were overly excited by the progress being made by IT. In that short space of time though, technology has proved to be an indispensable asset and, as today’s traveller is increasingly ordering his or her own journey, so its manifold possibilities have been eagerly embraced by airport, airline and handler alike. In consequence, when one reads of stagnating investment in terms of IT, then it can only in general, stated that they desired to course, already proved its worth. raise an eyebrow – but such has been the scale up their bag tracking capability but Statistically, IT and telecommunications reality in certain areas. the bald statistics show that 100% bag spend as a percentage of revenue continues Airline IT budgets actually plateaued tracking remains the stu of dreams – and to increase: it reached a new high (6.06%) over the 2016-2017 period, at a 3.12% total indeed, a large proportion of respondents in 2018, and was expected to rise slightly to IT spend as a percentage of revenue. But in are struggling to cover even half of their 6.26% by the close of 2019. 2018 (and as predicted by CIOs), the sector networks. Airports have a responsibility to keep witnessed a signi cant rise, with total Speci cally, airline momentum ahead of the game; thus it is not surprising airline IT spend increasing substantially around baggage tracking has shown little to learn that 64% of them reported that that year to reach a 4.84% fraction of improvement since 2018, with just 14% of absolute IT and telecommunications airline revenue. airlines able to track baggage across more investment increased in 2018, with only 5% According to the report (in late 2019), than 75% of their route network (although remarking that it had decreased. airline operating spend on IT had now encouragingly this gure is up from 6%). Most airports predict continued growth reached 2.89% of total revenue, compared e vast majority of airlines in 2019 have over the next two years, with 79% saying to 1.90% in 2017. at looks quite capabilities for tracking bags below 50% that they were planning for an increase promising – and all the indications are of their route network; airlines report in 2019 compared to 2018; and with 71% that this level of investment is predicted to that they are optimistic for 2022, though, expecting an increase in 2020 compared to remain largely stable, with the 2019 spend with 48% of carriers planning to have bag 2019. gure expected to be around 2.91%. tracking capabilities for over 75% of their Smoothing the passenger ow is also Capital expenditure also increased in network routes by then. about e ective queue management. To that 2018 to reach 1.95% in 2018: this was up end, wait-time monitoring is the main area from 1.24% in 2017. In fact, airlines were The view from the airport to have witnessed a signi cant increase in also predicting an increase in capital spend Moving over to the airport sector, it implementation over the last year. in 2019, with 2.31% a realistic gure. becomes quite clear that those in the e implementation of wait-time survey are geared towards increasing monitoring has jumped from 31% of The business numbers of passengers. airports in 2017 to 42% in 2018. In 2019, According to SITA, passenger processing One major trend is the growth of the vast majority of airports reported for operations is currently the leading investment in automating the passenger having wait-time monitoring solutions in use of Business Intelligence, with 44% of journey in order to provide a faster, more place. airlines having implemented an initiative pleasant airport experience. Faced with Where the real money will be spent, so far. Encouragingly, a further 45% plan to the challenge of mushrooming traveller though, is in the area of emerging invest in this area by 2022. numbers, the vast majority of airports are technologies. SITA’s ndings indicate that Of rather more concern is the take-up leveraging Business Intelligence to improve some 85% of airports are investing in of technology to meet IATA’s Resolution passenger processing. Personalised biometric identity management solutions 753, that which concerns the tracking communications via mobile phones is a with signi cant growth in the deployment of baggage across a journey. Airlines, de nite trend and the mobile app has, of of major programmes: these are set to rise

12 February 2020 Ground Handling International IT REPORT

to 44% from 25% in 2018. Around 77% of airports will have interactive navigation investment plans by 2022, although this gure is the same as the previous year. Arti cial intelligence investment is another important area of focus, with the deployment of major programmes reaching 29% (up from 9% in 2018). Finally, there has been further investment in Arti cial Intelligence initiatives over the past year, with the main objective of improving the passenger experience. The future scenario According to respondents, in terms of airline IT expenditure in 2020, 49% of airlines predicted that their operating spend would increase, with 28% declaring that it would stay the same. Slightly this area) and cybersecurity initiatives also Likewise, cybersecurity is a high priority, worrying, perhaps, was the 23% who strong, at 96%: these were deemed the ranking second on the airline CIO agenda, forecast a decrease in their IT investment. most likely areas for future investment. with 86% having a major cybersecurity is seems a little hard to swallow, given Investment in cloud services has programme in place and a further 10% that existing systems and applications will, increased since 2016 and is clearly a top running a pilot. at the very least, require maintenance and priority on the agenda across most airlines: As mentioned earlier, IT and telecoms possible upgrades. today, some 83% of airlines have major have become indispensable to today’s By 2022, the focus appears to be on programmes in place for cloud activity aviation sector; with rising passenger digital transformation, with cloud services whilst a further 16% are running a pilot numbers and aircra order books full, its prominent (100% of respondents citing scheme of some description. bene ts are not di cult to grasp. ghi

www.groundhandling.com 13 CARGO MATTERS

capacity at São Paulo–Guarulhos International airport by 33%. Strategic focus Claudio Torres, International Commercial Director – South America, expects the hub to bring measurable reliability to the carrier’s temperature-controlled operations. “Our perishable hub will help us to reduce the time perishables are exposed to non- controlled temperatures by up to 20%, thanks to its capacity to o er variable temperature ranges and its strategic location closer to the loading areas.” Group CEO Andrés Bianchi says that the new cooler is indicative of the airline’s commitment to its customers. “We know Latin America is a major producer and exporter of perishables, and that its economic development largely depends on the international recognition of the quality of its products,” he asserts. “Faced with this reality, and as the leader in air transportation in the region, FRUITFUL ENDEAVOUR we took on the challenge of providing excellence in service LATAM Cargo is upping its cold chain game across its network in Latin America, and execution, and investing observes the Deputy Editor. in leading-edge infrastructure to protect the freshness of the products carried, with the high standards our value proposal is atin America and the during 2018, each year, Colombia US$3.5m in a new temperature- well known for.” Caribbean is home to a vast exports more than 250,000 tonnes controlled facility (which opened quantity of fresh produce of owers alone, while Chile earelier this year) to accommodate Fresh approach Lthat is in high demand from exports more than 500,000 tonnes its vast perishables business for e hub opened as part of the the rest of the world. As such, of fresh sh. products going to South America, launch of FRESH: an enhanced perishable exports are numerous North America and Europe. version of LATAM Cargo’s and voluminous, including owers A fertile market e new facility occupies an perishable care option that from Colombia, mangoes from For LATAM Cargo, a major player area of 1,637 square metres, half provides more robust temperature Brazil and avocados from Mexico, in the regional air cargo scene, of which is equipped with cooling control across its network of cold which is said to supply around fresh products account for 45% chambers that o er refrigeration storage facilities. With its FRESH 45% of the international avocado of all goods carried in a year. In ranges of 0 to 2°C and 2 to 12°C product, LATAM Group will also market. Guarulhos in particular, where for storage and re-palletising. e o er an online storage temperature Su ce it to say, perishables the Group’s main hub is stationed, temperature of any chamber can monitoring system, reduced exports represent major business 85% of all connecting cargo is also be increased up to 22°C. exposure time on the tarmac and a for the region; by way of example, perishable. Keen to capitalise on With the new perishable predictive model that identi es the while airports handled a total of this fertile market and its strategic hub, the LATAM Group has best measures to ensure freshness around 4m tonnes of air cargo position, the carrier invested increased its perishable storage – and other bene ts besides. ghi

GUARULHOS: A STRATEGIC HUB LATAM Group serves more than 33 destinations in South America and more than 14 cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia from its Sao Paulo/Guarulhos hub. From here, more than half of the perishable cargo transported is done so in the holds of its passenger aircraft, making it an important location in the carrier’s objective to maximise use of its passenger ﬂ eet. Perishables coming through Guarulhos come from seven points of origin, namely, Santiago, Lima, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Asuncion, Montevideo and Santa Cruz de la Sierra; these are on their way to their ﬁ nal destinations in North America, Europe and Africa. Of all the salmon transported by LATAM Group, 19% connects at Guarulhos before heading on to the US and China, primarily. Meanwhile 14% of the asparagus produced in Peru comes through Guarulhos on its way to the UK and Germany, while 22% of Peruvian mangoes pass through the hub en route to Spain, France and beyond.

14 February 2020 Ground Handling International See us at GHI Asia Booth #E44 13th AsianGHI Conference DATE CHANGE: 57 MAY 2020 AT MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE

BOOK NOW! $2430 USD Did you know? $6,349 was the average Join us at the premier ground handling industry amount attendees said they had saved in travel expenses by networking event for aviation stakeholders meeting attending companies looking to do business in the Asia region. at last year’s Conference instead Attend this year’s conference from 5-7 May 2020 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore and beneﬁ t from: 70% said attending this Conference helped them Premium networking: could be vital in overcoming regional discover a new approach Take advantage of GHI’s One-to-One challenges around congestion, to solving a key business Meetings Service, which allows you strained infrastructure and a shortage challenge to send targeted meeting requests to of skilled staff. 63% said attending the delegates you most want to meet conference sessions gave with. The GHI team will help Automation and them a chance for continuing send meeting chasers on your AI on the Asian professional development behalf and build a personalised apron: schedule that best matches GHI investigates 79% said they met a new your requirements. Meetings how advances business lead as a result of take place in discreet, purpose- in robotics and attending the Conference built meeting rooms with an autonomous emphasis on providing you a GSE could transform the operational chance to secure quickﬁ re, 5 minute high quality, hassle-free way to do capabilities of Asian stations introductions with key carriers or GSPs. business. Extra meeting Find GSE and IT Help shape a blueprint for Asian opportunities with solutions: aviation growth: key airlines and GSPs: take a tour of our Join us in the conference room for Enjoy GHI’s Meet exhibition area and our opening GHI Big Debate, where the Airline and meet with 40+ industry leading ground handlers, airlines and Meet the Handler suppliers who offer airport operators in the region will Speed Networking a range of potential detail how stakeholder collaboration Forum. Both provide you with the business solutions.

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Sofi ya Maksymchuk (centre) stands with Aeromexico team as Safety & Training Offi cer STAR QUALITY Sofi ya Maksymchuk achieved the Rising Star accolade in the GHI Pride of Ground Handling Awards 2019. Felicity Stredder spoke to her about the win.

t the 21st Annual GHI conference, by the wayside, Maksymchuk has upheld Maksymchuk’s nomination for the award Station Manager for US-based ground ATS’ focus on employee satisfaction, was her proactive solution to ATS’ biggest Ahandler Airport Terminal Services, taking the time to listen to team members’ ongoing problem: that of sta turnover. So ya Maksymchuk, received the award concerns as well as rewarding hard work Maintaining appropriate sta ng levels and for Rising Star. Maksymchuk has indeed in a variety of ways. Her e orts have led to the cost of training new sta has been a risen through the ranks at impressive speed a culture shi in the organisation, reports growing issue for the handler, exacerbated since joining ATS six years ago, already ATS, bringing a mutual respect and better by a glut of part-time roles. ese were the holding the positions of Passenger Service understanding of her expectations by product of multiple contracts for once- Agent, Supervisor and Training O cer and, her team – which has ultimately led to a daily operations. Maksymchuk personally since the start of 2019, Station Manager at reduction in bag o oading times and a devised and implemented a programme for Toronto Pearson airport. GHI took a closer decrease in delays. team members seeking full-time positions look at her winning credentials. As well as bringing about improvement by o ering them the opportunity to be in general workplace attitude and cross-trained across multiple contracts. Notable accolades productivity, one of the key reasons behind A er ascertaining a demand for the Maksymchuk’s colleagues provide a programme, Maksymchuk studied ATS’ glowing review of her workplace ethic. As ight schedules to identify ights that would a keen learner and leader, her dedication slot into the programme, without neglecting to furthering her career has seen her go “It’s a very dynamic any contracts or leaving too much downtime; the extra mile. When a lack of rst-hand industry with the ability to she then began scheduling employees for experience threatened to hinder her training across multiple airlines while e ectiveness as a leader, Maksymchuk always try new things and maintaining regular operations, before quickly became quali ed to work on the challenge yourself to do devising a nal schedule to bring all these ramp, loading bags alongside the workers elements together. Upon implementation, in her charge, to better understand the daily be er” cross-trained team members were able to challenges they faced. As well as working Soﬁ ya Maksymchuk give up their second job. early mornings and late nights on the ramp Station Manager, ATS Maksymchuk explains what inspired her without letting her management duties fall to introduce cross training. “O ering cross

www.groundhandling.com 17 GHI AWARDS PROFILE

training to employees bene ts the company and the employee. Employees can work full time hours, should they choose to do so, and as a result this reduced turnover and headcount,” she says. anks to Maksymchuk’s initiative, ATS had a workable solution to an endemic issue. For this, ATS and a panel of top- level industry judges agreed that she was deserving of the Rising Star accolade. Maksymchuk and her Copa Airlines team Rewarding eﬀ orts (above); ATS’ Ingrid Braeuninger accepts ATS Regional Director, Eastern Soﬁ ya’s award in Amsterdam (below) Canada, Pierre Herrbach, who works closely with Maksymchuk, made the initial internal nomination. “So ya supervisor, I learned responsibility. I was no winning the Rising Star Award makes longer just responsible for myself but was me incredibly proud,” he says. “I am responsible for leading my entire team,” she thrilled that her talent and work ethic states. “When I became a Safety & Training have been recognised and rewarded by O cer, I learned patience. We have people industry leaders around the world. She that come from di erent backgrounds and is very active in our operation, always learn di erently: you need to be patient and looking for ways to improve, and a great nd a di erent approach that will work with motivator to our team members.” that agent. Lastly, as a Station Manager I Maksymchuk expresses her gratitude have learned how important it is to delegate for the reward, too. “I am very humbled to and follow up. You cannot do everything on win this award knowing how many great “I am thrilled that her your own,” she asserts. people work in this industry. A er being in talent and work ethic the business for only a short period of time, Aviation advocate it proves that dedication and hard work have been recognised When asked what alternative line of work pays o ,” she remarks. and rewarded by industry she might have pursued were she not in Her career in the industry was not by this sector, Maksymchuk believes she design, but by chance, she continues. “I leaders around the world” would have followed her education down have been with ATS for almost six years. Pierre Herrbach the obvious path. “I studied Business When I rst joined ATS back in 2014, it Regional Director, Eastern Canada, ATS Management in University, with a focus on was just supposed to be a fun summer job. Accounting and Global Management, so I I never expected to make a career out of it. would probably be working in one of those I went to school for something completely diverse range of responsibilities, she goes on elds,” she says. unrelated to the aviation industry and to say. “I love joining my team, either on the To someone considering a career working for ATS was just going to be my passenger service side or on the ramp, and in ground handling, she o ers only way of killing time during the summer just working alongside them.” encouragement. “It’s a very dynamic break, but here I am, six years and three Working in ground handling has industry with the ability to always try new positions later,” she enthuses. “Sometimes brought about some truly rewarding things and challenge yourself to do better. If you need to try di erent things, to experiences, too. “I have a lot of good you are looking for a 9-5 job, this industry understand what you really want.” memories from the past six years, but it not for you,” she warns. But this diversity something that stands out the most would is precisely what she so enjoys about the Finding a passion be all the travelling that I was able to do in sector. “I believe ground handling is the Despite her incidental route into the my time as a Safety and Training O cer. I future of the aviation industry. When industry, Maksymchuk has found a real was able to learn from di erent stations and working for a ground handling company, a nity with the job and all that the business see what I could bring back and apply it in you learn how to simultaneously manage of ground handling o ers. my own operation.” di erent airlines and their operation, which “My favourite part about my job is the As well as making all-important makes it more exciting and challenging.” fact that we technically do the same thing, memories, Maksymchuk has learned Her enthusiasm for the future of her but it is di erent every day. You never know valuable lessons from each of her positions career with ATS is in equal measure – and what kind of challenge can be thrown at within ATS. “When I started as an agent, I her ambitions clear. “I hope to continue you,” she asserts. “ is industry is very learned the importance of team work. As growing within the industry and do my unpredictable.” a passenger you do not fully understand part in ensuring ATS is the best ground Commercial aviation naturally how many people need to come together handling service partner in the business,” comprises a varied diet, allowing for a in order to get a single ight out. As a she concludes proudly. ghi

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Swissport launched its ﬁ rst cargo operation in Australia this year, at Melbourne airport

ASIA SPECIFIC Felicity Stredder shines the spotlight on ground handling in the Asia Paciﬁ c region as we enter 2020.

hat 2019 was a challenging year for low cost airlines have manufacturing centre of the world and revenues from the ground handling industry is a expanded operations in transporting many of those goods are a signi cant Tpopular opinion. Between China and the region.” e latter, proportion of sales for many of the region’s airlines,” he the US waging a tari war on each other’s he suggests, is evidence asserts. Manufacturing, among other industries in the economies and the ongoing slump in air of customer preferences region, has taken a hit following the recent outbreak cargo performance, operating conditions changing. of the Chinese coronavirus, of course, which is also were far from optimal. Furthermore, Menzies Aviation’s signi cantly a ecting air cargo and passenger tra c in IATA reported that the former dispute Stuart Key, SVP Sales & and out of the region – but Key is con dent that Menzies’ has contributed to a disappointing 4.5% Commercial Operations signi cant presence across the Asia Paci c region will overall growth in passenger tra c for Asia - Oceania & South East enable it to adapt to market uctuation. Paci c airlines in 2019 – a considerable Asia, attributes the Continuing with cargo, Stewart Sinclair, Managing decline from the growth of 2018. As tough conditions of 2019 Director – ailand, Bangkok Flight Services, reports 2020 gets underway, there is a glimpse of predominantly to so ening that BFS saw its export volumes drop in 2019, “down by reprieve, however, as the region’s handlers passenger numbers, which around 15% compared to 2018, even though we retained report. he says were down 3% on all of our existing customers and added seven new 2018, while cargo yields customers during the year,” he relates. BFS did experience Broadly speaking were down 5%; however, growth on the ramp and passenger side, however, seeing Regional CEO Asia Paci c for dnata, he also ags up IATA’s around a 7.8% increase in ights. In a similarly positive Dirk Goovaerts, points to a broadly forecast that Asia Paci c vein, Swissport’s Executive Vice President – Asia Paci c, slowing economy in the region. “In 2019, carriers will bene t from Glenn Rutherford, currently observes a continuation of several airlines adjusted their operations modest recovery in world strong demand from Southeast Asia to Northeast Asia, by suspending routes and decreasing trade and air cargo in which he says is o setting reduced business to and from frequencies on services. Having said that, 2020. “Asia remains the Hong Kong and the politically driven lower demand

20 February 2020 Ground Handling International WORLD ANALYSIS

between Korea and Japan. at said, the Australian and BFS saw growth in its ramp New Zealand domestic travel markets are experiencing ops at Suvarnabhumi last year, generally so er demand and reduced ight volumes, he with a 7.8% increase in ﬂ ights continues, which impacted handlers’ performance last year. Despite all the challenges, Raj Andrade, Chief Commercial O cer of Air India SATS, outlines the region’s promise. “More than half of all new passengers in the next 20 years are expected to come from the APAC region, predominantly accounted for by India and China,” he asserts. Challenging times Wilson Kwong, CEO of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, highlights the obvious impact of the continuing trade war between the US and China on tra c between these countries. “ e removal of some of these tari s is welcomed, and we remain hopeful that tensions will ease attracting new talent to Positive thinking throughout 2020. Meanwhile, there is evidence of some the industry, alongside Continuing down this optimistic route, manufacturing shi ing from China to countries such foreign workforce quota Andrade believes that the air cargo as Vietnam, in order to circumvent tari s on Chinese restrictions and sta industry in India will see major boost. imports. Some of this tra c will continue to route via turnover. “We launched “ e Government seeks to make India Hong Kong, which is the major global gateway for Asia.” several employee among the top ve air freight markets Key implicates various global issues, from uncertainty engagement initiatives by 2025, as well as creating air transport over Brexit, to the grounding of the B737 MAX and over the past year. We shipment hubs at all major airports over ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong as the most will continue to have a the next six years.” Fierce competition challenging factors in 2019. “ e US – China trade war strong focus on attracting, among airlines and a progressive national is in icting the most damage to the global economy,” developing and retaining civil aviation policy are driving growth in he concurs, “but more locally, we are hopeful that the talent,” he asserts. On India’s aviation sector, he says. e policy trade pressure between Japan and South Korea will the other hand, Sinclair includes initiatives like the Regional recover soon, as this is impacting the Asia Paci c region reports that BFS found Connectivity Scheme, alongside schemes in particular.” Kwong advises that the aforementioned sta recruitment and for airport capacity augmentation, disturbances in Hong Kong did not have a major impact turnover to be manageable paperless travel and online passenger on Hactl’s throughput. “ e e ect, mostly con ned to in 2019. grievance redressal. To accommodate belly cargo, was short-term mainly due to delays and this predicted rising demand, investment reductions in ights. We were able to continue moving in e ciency is essential, he adds. “ e cargo without major delays,” he relates. e overall Indian ground handling industry is air cargo downturn of 2019 did a ect Hactl and its expected to move towards greater customers, however, Kwong admits. “ at said, Hactl automation and increased usage of has successfully mitigated much of the impact through electric GSE across Indian airports.” increasing e-commerce activity, targeting specialised Rutherford ags up the approaching cargo such as perishables and outsized.” Tokyo Summer Olympics as cause for Sinclair a rms that the cargo volume drop was the positivity, particularly in counteracting single biggest challenge of 2019 from BFS’ perspective, the temporary reduction in capacity by along with airport infrastructure limitations, which have many regional carriers in response to the meant more remote operations. “We expect a fairly at political tension in Japan. “ e market year for 2020,” he notes of the freight market – although is experiencing an in ux of carriers he adds that IATA has predicted a moderate recovery in wanting to operate into Japanese airports cargo tra c of 2.2% this year. or expand their frequencies, mainly For Rutherford, the depressed domestic passenger “We remain from mainland China,” he highlights. tra c in Australia and New Zealand was most hopeful that Interest in Japan as a tourist destination problematic. “ e cessation of Jetstar’s turboprop is growing considerably, he adds. “With operations in New Zealand impacted Swissport’s business tensions will ease Haneda airport opening more than 40 and resulted in the closure of operations in some regional throughout 2020” international slots, some carriers will locations; however, the international market remains shi their operations from Narita to strong. At a time where volumes are declining, further Wilson Kwong Haneda. Slots will open for other carriers consolidation of ground handling is an opportunity for Hactl to operate into Narita in 2020, which will airlines to reduce cost,” he enthuses. Japan’s dry labour mean ground handling opportunities.” market is less cause for optimism, however, and he also Airport infrastructure availability and observes increasing labour costs in Korea. the dry labour market here may present a Goovaerts ags up the ongoing challenge of challenge in realising such opportunities,

www.groundhandling.com 21 WORLD ANALYSIS

“We expect opportunities to come from record for freighters twice in recent weeks: the dynamic LCC market in South Korea. we have set a new record of 106 aircra handled in 24 hours,” he enthuses. Vietnam also represents a region of Technological advances are shaping the promise” demands of the travel industry, Goovaerts asserts. “Exposure to the digital landscape Glenn Rutherford and travel has shaped the expectations of 246133_V2_GHAN_Fraport 27/03/2019 12:40Swissport Page 1 consumers and millennials. Simply put, people are more discerning and expect Rutherford mentions, but his positivity continues: “We from 2019 include the new more.” With comfort, value-for-money and expect opportunities to come from the dynamic LCC Smart Cargo Locating and a seamless airport experience increasingly market in South Korea. Vietnam also represents a region e-Loading projects. “ e a standard expectation of travellers, dnata of promise, with new customers from Vietnam and New rst of these speeds up the is investing in its products and services Zealand commencing operations into Seoul’s Incheon racking and retrieval of accordingly, he continues. “ e opening of International airport.” Flight frequencies to Vietnam loose cargo in our giant our new marhaba airport lounge at Changi are expected to continue increasing as the country’s facility and is the rst stage airport demonstrates our e orts.” He popularity as a tourist destination grows, he adds. in fully automating this continues of dnata’s recent investments in “We are handling two new growing airlines and their process. e second has technology: “Most recently, we’ve upgraded frequencies are increasing as a result.” seen paper-based processes part of our GSE eet and implemented replaced with apps, the latest telematics to support better eet Modern advances enabling us to be more management, utilisation and reporting.” In terms of trends, all the handlers report continued responsive to last-minute Swissport has also been investing technological advances and from the cargo side of the loading plan changes, in GSE, speci cally in implementing story, Kwong says that customers continue to prioritise and to use our resources telemetry technology for its GSE eet e-commerce, pharma and perishables as key growth more e ciently. We have in Japan, notes Rutherford. Additional opportunities. Some of Hactl’s recent innovation e orts broken our daily handling GSE investment is planned this year,

22 February 2020 Ground Handling International WORLD ANALYSIS

NEW LEGISLATION ICAO 2021 is due to go live on July 1, which will require 100% screening of all air cargo: and a huge increase in activity in and around Hong Kong will coincide, says Kwong. 2019 we invested over €2m in our cargo A phased implementation will see the screening percentage gradually increased, he material handling equipment, including continues. “Phase 1, which requires 25% of cargo to be screened, came into effect on a replacement X-ray machine, additional January 1 2020.” Hactl is investing in more security screening equipment in anticipation ETV storage positions and multiple of the legislation and Kwong is confi dent that they and the Hong Kong community will be mobile handling units. In 2020 we expect ready to meet the new requirements by the deadline; “but it will still involve a great deal to invest more modestly, given the of hard work and preparation.” economic downturn,” he notes. “For our 246133_V2_GHAN_FraportKey fl ags up changes 27/03/2019 in Australian 12:40 legislationPage 2 regarding enhanced cargo security, ramp and passenger business we have which have led Menzies to invest signifi cantly in its cargo facilities. “Menzies has acquired a number of additional X-ray machines to maintain cargo security integrity continued to invest heavily in replacement due to the need for all outbound international air cargo, regardless of its destination, and additional GSE to ensure a young to be examined under the Enhanced Air Cargo Examination (EACE) programme before average eet age and to accommodate the it is loaded on to the plane. This was introduced in March 2019 and the same security growth in ights. In 2019 we invested over enhancements are expected to apply for domestic air cargo from mid-2020,” Key €4.5m and we expect a similar investment explains. in 2020.” AISATS looked to transform its passenger services in 2019, relates including ramping up the electric quota of its global operation, which has the Andrade, in particular the interaction of eet with a view to meeting its 2025 target to become capability to be expanded passengers with frontline sta . “At our 50% electric. Rutherford is encouraged in particular by up to 30,000 square metres, Hyderabad operations, we developed customers’ adoption of electric vehicles (especially buses) Rutherford adds. a towable ramp in order to make the in Australia and New Zealand. “And we are pleased to be deplaning process more e cient and at the forefront with vehicle development and operations.” Areas of investment convenient for passengers, especially Furthermore, investment in its wearable technology e subject of investment for passengers with reduced mobility at initiative with SoterSpine continues, while last October generates much in the remote bays.” Previously, getting PRMs saw the handler open a 10,000 square metre state-of-the- way of feedback. Sinclair on and o aircra at a remote bay posed art o -airport cargo terminal in South Korea to expand its relates BFS’ e orts: “In a major challenge when the Ambuli was

www.groundhandling.com 23 WORLD ANALYSIS

unavailable or unserviceable. “We intend to introduce than 20 years,” Rutherford enthuses. e and scale this at all our other locations. Our Bengaluru handler will also open its rst Aspire cargo operations introduced slip sheet handling for lounge for the Asia Paci c region at Perth air freight shipments. is contemporary solution was airport in mid-2020. It also launched launched to address material handling and storage Swissport Executive Aviation at Auckland challenges.” is year marks ten years of operations in airport late last year. India for AISATS and thus investment in innovation and digital solutions is expected to be considerable. “Growing Future musings our cargo business will be another key strategic business Looking ahead, Kwong is reserved in his area for us,” Andrade notes. expectations. “2020 will not be a record year for the industry, and few are likely to Business growth be over-worked this year; so we should all Despite negative trends seeming to dominate the “We have managed take this opportunity to consider how we industry in 2019, Key reports that Menzies has continued to improve service can further integrate and streamline our to increase its regional market share in the Asia Paci c industry so that it remains competitive,” region, with new businesses established in Canberra and delivery across he suggests. Cargo is expected to remain Cairns. Its latest business partnership in Indonesia has all dnata APAC at in 2020, notes Sinclair, but BFS continued to expand and this is expected to continue in airports” anticipates that e-commerce will continue 2020, while its Macau business remains stable. “We have to grow. He adds that, with the current seen an increase in turns since the opening of the bridge Dirk Goovaerts political issues in the Middle East, connecting Macau and Hong Kong, with several freighter dnata oil prices are likely to be a signi cant operators preferring to land in Macau and truck cargo to challenge in 2020, which could lead to a and from Hong Kong,” Key reports. downturn in ramp and passenger tra c – According to Goovaerts, dnata’s new regional structure a sentiment which Rutherford reiterates. has enabled business optimisation. “We have managed to ights handled since 2018. Rutherford furthermore believes that improve service delivery across all dnata APAC airports, is January saw APAC will continue to be the fastest which resulted in multiple contract wins across Australia, Swissport launch its growing aviation market. “I predict that Singapore and the Philippines,” he says. Several new rst cargo operation in the growth trend in Japan will continue accolades have also been achieved, including ISO 9001 Australia, meanwhile, in 2020, supported by the upcoming renewal in Singapore for ground, cargo and catering signing a lease for a brand- summer Olympics and the open sky treaty services, renewal of its IATA ISAGO registration in new air cargo facility at with China.” Goovaerts also points to an Singapore, Australia and the Philippines, as well as CEIV Melbourne airport – with upswing in tra c. “Local and regional Pharma and GDP certi cation in Singapore, with the other locations soon to point-to-point tra c, mainly operated latter also acquired at Sydney and Melbourne. be announced. “ is is an by narrow-body aircra , will increase Swissport has also enjoyed plentiful growth this year, exciting time for Swissport further. Service providers must provide relays Rutherford. “We launched our sixth ground as we take the rst formal tailored solutions,” he advises. handling station in Okinawa in September 2019 and step in our plans to bring More broadly, Key anticipates further invested heavily in new GSE. is trend is likely to a fresh approach and a consolidation in the airlines space, with continue in 2020 with a focus on employee programmes more competitive o er to new alliances formed. “ is will drive to ensure strong retention.” He adds that Swissport’s a market that has not seen improved operational e ciency, with operation there has seen a 21% increase in the number of a new entrant for more new trade lanes for freight and new direct sectors for passenger tra c,” he says positively. e low cost carrier market will Dnata has renewed various continue to grow, he adds, predicting that accreditations at Changi airport, including IATA’s CEIV and ISAGO legacy carriers may introduce a low cost brand to compete on certain routes. “ e Asia Paci c ground handling arena could be in a similar situation, with partnerships formed between the global operators and some of the smaller local operators to gain further market share in Asia in particular,” he believes. From politics to market uctuation, the Asia Paci c region is struggling with the universal challenges of the aviation industry, in addition to its own unique challenges at present. But, while these are expected to continue, so too does investment and con dence in the future prosperity of the sector, as the handlers con rm. ghi

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development was the talk of the workshop: almost a year on, the concept nally bore fruit on the ramp of Toulouse airport. is particular airport is not without its historical importance, of course: chapters Hands-free in its aviation history involve both Concorde and the A380, so it was tting that this station should witness the rst automated vehicle usage. e key to the whole operation lies operation in the programming. Once a vehicle (Charlatte is currently running three such Back in November, history was made at autonomous tractors) has electronically Toulouse, writes the Editor. absorbed the details of the route (or routes) that it is to take, all that’s required is touchscreen input within the cab to set the vehicle in motion. Equipped with an array of sensors (Lidar, GPS, camera and an odometer), the tractor is thus equipped to navigate its route, stopping at pre- established barriers (such as pedestrian crossings), and giving way to anything that it detects within its eld of movement that might con ict with its course. An inbuilt 3D map of the local environment ensures that the vehicle knows where it is at any given moment. On the day in question, the driverless tractor appeared from the baggage hall Air France the beneﬁ ciary area towing two empty trailers. It drove of Charlatte and Navya’s around a roundabout before reaching combined expertise the stand, where it stopped according to its computerised input. e trailers were loaded, a Groupe 3S driver then t may have been a day that saw Toulose some time ago; the company wasn’t alone turned the assemblage through 180 Blagnac airport perpetually shrouded in recognising that here was something degrees before stopping the tractor and Iin mist but that did not prevent the rst that was admirably suited to a con ned alighting. A command on the dashboard live operation of a driverless baggage area of operation over a programmable touchscreen then set the whole train tractor on the ramp. route, such as that of the airport. in motion again, the tractor and load On the momentous occasion, Air France Charlatte, known for its electric vehicle reprising the route it had previously taken. was the customer; Charlatte Autonom, output, was a perfect choice and its T135 ( ere is also a base controller facility along with TCR and autonomous tractor type was deemed suitable for the to operate such a vehicle: someone can specialist Navya, provided the driverless transformation work. When GHI visited start up the tractor, or tractors, without vehicle; and Groupe 3S contributed the the French headquarters in early 2019, this the necessity of getting into the cab). e ground handling expertise. For all the whole exercise was drama-free although players involved in this historic moment, one imagines that a few hearts were in it was a ful lling experience: the result of mouths as the tractor encountered another several years’ investment and trial resulted vehicle on its journey: however, all the in a faultless demonstration before a large research had obviously paid o , because number of interested stakeholders. the AT135 (the A signifying autonomous) politely gave way, only continuing once it The rise of autonomous “We are very proud of this had detected its path was clear. For those ree or four years back autonomous world-ﬁ rst operation” watching, it was the ultimate endorsement vehicles were still the stu of science Bastien Devaux, of this interesting technology. ction. True, tests were underway on public roads to gauge the practicality Charla e Manutention Ongoing trials (and safety) of the driverless car, but the e tests at Toulouse actually got airport sector was merely a spectator. underway on November 15 and the All that would change, though, as the airport was due to carry on utilising the day in Toulouse proved. Companies like AT135 until the end of 2019; therea er, at Navya saw the potential for autonomous least at the time of writing, the next steps transport, primarily in the eld of the bus, were unknown, although rumour had it

26 February 2020 Ground Handling International GSE INNOVATION

that other stations were in negotiations facilitating the use of an autonomous for trialling the tractor. For those not won baggage tractor and perfectly integrating over by the concept, there is plenty of it into its operational processes, Air evidence to suggest that this technology France’s ambition is to further optimise its has much to commend it. operational performance and improve its According to Bob Belither, Manager customers’ travel experience. is test is UK & Ireland, and one who has been the rst step to a more widespread roll-out involved in the project, the advantages of autonomous vehicles at our airports.” are that because the vehicle is driven as it For Philippe Crébassa, Chairman of should be, and is not subject to varying the Executive Board of Toulouse Blagnac driving styles, maintenance and longevity airport, it was a special moment. “ is test are improved, so that the tractor does not is a concrete step to designing the smart require as much mechanical attention airport, more innovative, connected and as might otherwise be the case: yearly En route: a slightly unnerving sight more e cient for our customers. It was maintenance instead of six-monthly for some spectators at Toulouse, only natural that this world rst took place periods was suggested as practicable. the driverless baggage tractor at Toulouse airport, the pioneer city of e technology is also foolproof: aviation.” and because of this, there is a distinct ongoing headache, so this technology e nal word goes to Charlatte’s advantage in terms of safety on the ramp. presents an interesting alternative to an CEO, Bastien Devaux: “We are very is tractor is designed to stop and start old problem. proud of this world- rst operation near the aircra , with the nal leg, if highlighting in real conditions the added required, being executed by the driver. Summing up value of our AT135 autonomous tractor, ere is also the matter of sta ng: tests At Air France, the driverless vehicle combining the expertise of Charlatte have shown that personnel can be reduced concept is just one of several initiatives Manutention and Navya. e roll-out on a by anything up to two-thirds when with which the carrier is involved. Vincent larger scale of autonomous vehicles should operating a driverless tractor. Labour Euzeby, Head of IT & Tech Innovation contribute to easing increasingly dense costs, as most readers will know, is an at the carrier, was enthusiastic: “By logistics ows.” ghi

JT2 Group GmbH Münchner Str. 19a 82319 Starnberg | Germany + 49 (0)8151 / 99 86 79 – 0 [email protected] www.JT2Group.com

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www.groundhandling.com 27 LEADERSHIP

critical? Great leaders bring a whole range of capabilities to their role. ey inspire, engage and motivate but they ON THE FRONTLINE also keep an eye on the main objective and track how close Martin Dean, Senior Manager, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, looks at they are to reaching it. ey developing critical leadership competencies. constantly evolve and adapt to changing circumstances and anticipate what needs doing. hink about the best boss them or providing clarity on Ultimately, we follow the or teacher you ever had. what a great leader looks like people we have trust in, who TWhat was it they did that in the organisation. We mostly inspire us and who lead by made you remember them? If learn how to lead by how we example. we took ve minutes, we could have been led ourselves. If my Working on building and all easily describe what it takes supervisor was a shouter, I enhancing leaders’ skills with to be a great leader but, if it’s shout louder (also known as “Ultimately, we companies around the world, that easy, how come everyone Management by Volume). we have come to realise what isn’t a great leader? Imagine follow the people makes for e ective leadership the competitive advantage The right skills we have trust in” in Health & Safety is applicable your organisation would have If people are not equipped with to all other elds as well. In an if you surrounded yourself not the right skills that they need Martin Dean, ideal world, leaders develop just with great leaders but also to ll leadership positions, DuPont Sustainable Solutions the full range of competencies with excellent safety leaders. how can organisations avoid set out in Figure 1. In ground handling, it’s the so-called Peter Principle? commonplace to promote “In hierarchy, every employee Deciding what skills are really people into a leadership will rise to his level of needed position largely based on their incompetence.” But it’s a big wish list and technical knowledge or length Techniques to avoid that likely to overwhelm people, of service rather than their pitfall begin with building especially if newly promoted leadership skills. Furthermore, leadership competencies into a leadership position. It is once they are in a leadership into the selection/promotion better to take a step back and position, we say “go on then, process. So how does one consider what it is you want go lead” without supporting decide which competencies are to achieve. A helpful approach is to de ne what front line leaders in your organisation need to do and how they should do it. What skills will be critical in their new role? e diagram (le ) illustrates what this could look like. Here, the organisation has decided initially to focus on developing the new leader’s capacity to engage people, to create a culture of openness and support, the ability to provide focus and reinforce rules, as well as the skill to observe what is actually going on. ghi

Footnote: To learn more about training, coaching and other ways to develop leadership Figure 1: The DuPont Health & Safety Leadership Competencies Model skills, visit www.consultdss.com

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30 February 2020 Ground Handling International BUSINESS UPDATE

State-of-the-art: a sneak preview of Trepel’s latest electric loader

FULLY LOADED It has been several years since GHI visited the Trepel manufacturing facility. The Editor brings an update from Germany.

t might be interesting to commence this Around the factory helpful function indeed. update with a simple statistic: some 20 Any tour at Trepel starts with the chassis: An air of quality is certainly apparent Iyears back, Trepel’s hi-li output totalled in the main, it’s constructed on site within the factory, as the various elements around 40 units. Today, that gure has hit although Trepel can, on occasion, buy come together in the process that will see 500. in this article: circumstances such as a them work harmoniously in the nished Whilst this is a striking example of how heavy order book would necessitate this loader. In fact, according to Veit Janik, a company can ourish over a period a action. Plasma cutting machinery and the company’s Manager - Research and time, it’s also a gauge of how busy the shot blasting machinery are early sightings Development, anything up to 15 years’ aviation sector in general (and that of on the tour, as the raw material is shaped operation is to be expected from a smaller cargo in particular) has been during that and nished prior to the assembly process. loader whilst the heavier duty versions same period. As in the past, virtually A sta of 400 occupies the company should see 20 or more years’ service on the all Trepel’s work is done in house, with headquarters today and in a typical week, ramp. Of course, lifespan depends upon only a tiny percentage of items bought in several shi s are entertained, with the usage and maintenance and whilst Trepel to complete a build. e premises have, working week commencing on the Sunday does not get involved in refurbishment needless to say, expanded during the evening. programmes, it does o er spare parts last two decades, and any visitor cannot Key product at the site is that of the 7 and advice for anyone utilising one of its fail to notice the large crane outside that tonne loader, although its smaller and loaders. loads the nished products on to waiting bigger siblings (Trepel manufactures all Once the paint booth has nished transport. e Tauberbischofsheim the way up to a 35 tonne example) are with the parts, it’s the time to marry up site sees all the company’s hi-li s also produced here. ere are two welding the chassis with the scissors and bridge. manufactured although it also has stations and indeed a welding robot was Here, a precise t is everything; unless facilities for the nal construction of the working at the time of the visit. State-of- the sections t perfectly, then it’s a case of Challenger 430, 550 and 700 models; the the-art, it makes light (and skilful) work going back down the line to re-engineer 150 and 280 tractors are manufactured of a job that would have traditionally been where necessary. As for the loader’s at another factory, some 40 kilometres done by a practised hand. Usefully, when electrical system, that is preassembled in distant. Trepel also has o ces in the US a chassis is laid out, it can be rotated about a separate area, and again largely done in and Hong Kong for parts and servicing. its axis to ease the welder’s access – a house.

www.groundhandling.com 31 BUSINESS UPDATE

From road to ramp has been the ﬁ rst step - but where after that?

It all begins with the chassis, Whilst at Trepel there is much which is usually constructed automation evident, manual in house skills are still necessary

Synthetic rollers on the bed are of a special composition, ensuring a long operating life

VIEW FROM THE TOP Former Sales Director Carsten The Tauberbischofsheim Schimkat stepped into the role of factory is also home to some MD in 2016, when the existing chief of Trepel’s growing tug range executive retired. As he recalls, it was a propitious moment in the company’s actually supply their own battery when A closer look at the chassis reveals the history, for sales were buoyant and specifying electric options: that way, the dark blue, specially shaped rollers that growth readily apparent. construction process takes into account “There were some downswings,” facilitate the movement of the ULD. Janik he admits, “but these were short- the battery size and shape, making for reveals that the material is a type of plastic lived. Electriﬁ cation of the range was a more satisfactorily engineered end that is commonly used in protecting crane something that I have pushed forward, product. Battery power doesn’t tend to cabling. Its suitability in the loader has both for tractors and loaders.” extend to the largest hi-li s, however, for been proven over the years, needless to His latest contribution to Trepel’s the currently available battery capacity say. fortunes takes the form of a towbarless simply isn’t high enough to cope. Deutz remains the favoured motive tractor: no big surprise, this, perhaps, To end on a completely di erent note, power provider for the company’s loaders, given his past experience in that there is great anticipation at Trepel, as with the diesel engine still greatly in particular market sector. Schimkat has work on the company’s rst towbarless demand, since it is responsible for both also been responsible for updating and tractor nears completion: according to introducing new IT solutions at the the driving and the li ing functions. factory. Schimkat, this will be rolled out in early In line with growing concerns over 2020. e TLTV Charger 380 will be safety on the ramp, any Trepel hi-li can capable of towing a range of aircra , from be kitted out with the company’s ACAS the Embraer 170 to the Airbus A340-600. sensor system; today, something over diesel-powered hi-li s, for electric is also Two engine sizes will be o ered (309 60% of the output have this aid tted. available. Nearing nal production at the kW or 231 kW) at Stage 5 compliance, Standardisation, in line with IATA’s factory at the time of the visit was the rst although Stage 3 options will also be desired requirements, is important to the 14 tonne example that was destined for the available for some regions; furthermore, company, especially since here is GSE that Chinese market. It has taken Trepel some electric and hybrid versions are also on the sees operators working above three metres months to design this newcomer and Janik cards. Being able to pull 13 tonnes gives it in height, which necessitates special states that in terms of performance, it is plenty of versatility and the company sees requirements. on a par with its diesel-powered brother. this new tractor as ideal for intergate and When put on the ramp, it should be able fast maintenance towing, in addition to Other options to accommodate the maindeck loading pushback duties. In these environmentally conscious times, and unloading operations of a pair of So, is there room for another towbarless it’s good to note that the company is B747 aircra on a single charge. Janik adds tractor in the marketplace? not solely focused on the production of that it is not unusual for his customers to Trepel clearly believes so… ghi

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www.groundhandling.com 33 IT REPORT Safely on board At Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, some 450,000 passengers with reduced mobility ask for help every year to get from A to B. Sensors, though, are making a difference, notes the Editor.

oday, walking distances at airports are o en longer T than expected. Even if a passenger has good mobility, it can still be a challenge to get to a gate on time. And passengers with reduced mobility experience extra time pressure because they have to board rst. ere is a practical reason for this: people in wheelchairs are brought on board with a li and then li ed manually into their aircra seat. e above PRM statistic equates to around 1,200 requests for help every day but thanks to Undagrid’s IoT PRM Solution, the passenger, assistant and wheelchair are able to come together much an available wheelchair or Global have collaborated with many di erent signals, but more quickly. caddy. is o en results in a Undagrid, a key player in IoT also with the steel structures frustratingly long search. In the technology within the aviation of the building, lots of people The last mile meantime, the clock is ticking. industry. Undagrid is active at and changing environments. “Is a passenger late? en he Amazingly, a large proportion various major airports around Undagrid has experience or she can no longer board. of PRMs only report upon the globe and this company with terminal solutions. at e tight ight schedules do arrival at the airport. “ e provides apron solutions for makes a di erence. By the not allow you to wait,” states number of passengers requiring ground support equipment, end of this year Undagrid will Hans Koelstra. He is Director assistance has steadily grown in ight solutions for connected already provide hundreds of of Integral Safety at Axxicom over the years and is expected catering and terminal solutions their new NBIoT smart Nestor Airport Caddy, which is to continue to grow over the for facility management, such sensors. We use these to take responsible for the last mile next few. Adding extra sta or as waste bins and luggage our services to a real next level. of passengers with reduced equipment will not always be trolleys. All these solutions are It helps us enormously if we mobility at various airports. If possible,” emphasises Koelstra. focused on IoT and the delivery know exactly where all our they indicate at least 48 hours “ at is a challenge for our of actionable insights based on equipment is,” he continues. in advance that they need a employees, especially since they sensor information for these “We are also looking at the wheelchair or caddy and an do not know where available nomadic assets. next step, together with assistant, Axxicom Airport wheelchairs and caddies are Summing up, Koelstra nds Undagrid. How do we get the Caddy will ensure that the located. Similarly, the location it a perfect match. “An airport passenger, the companion and materials and an employee are and status of the ambuli s and is a complex environment. To the wheelchair together even ready at the agreed time. how to optimise our processes.” begin with, we have to deal more quickly? It would be nice So much for the theory. In with many long piers, which if we could develop an app that daily practice, things o en Co-operation with Undagrid are also far apart, and a jumble allows passengers with reduced go completely di erently. For e situation at Schiphol of shops and restaurants. mobility to be matched directly example, 40% of the passengers has thus had to change and And then we have to try to to available assistants and the requiring PRM assistance thanks to IoT, the future will nd a wheelchair in such an nearest free wheelchair a er arrive ad hoc. Axxicom Airport be di erent. To overcome the environment. ere are also registration.” Caddy must then release an challenge, Facilicom (the group challenges at the technical e gauntlet has been picked employee spontaneously, who to which Axxicom Airport level. For example, at an airport up; further news on this must then immediately nd Caddy belongs) and Vodafone you not only have to deal with initiative will follow. ghi

34 February 2020 Ground Handling International www.groundhandling.com 35 THE GHI CONFERENCE COMMUNITY

THE BIG DEBATE THE GHI Skills crisis CONFERENCE deepens Acute ground handling skills COMMUNITY shortages are jeopardising This issue, the great ground handling skills crisis safety at European airports, with the drought in personnel and fi lling the gaps through cross training getting worse, GHI can exclusively reveal. Almost 80% of operators reported a skills shortage in plenty of opportunities exist in MULTI SKILLING our Skills Survey 2020 – a adjacent industries that offer 25% increase since the survey better pay and more family- was last conducted in 2017. friendly working hours.” COULD BE A further 77% of the 100+ Ramp operatives and aviation business leaders passenger check-in agents are THRILLING surveyed, said that they had the most problematic positions suffered a lost time accident to fi ll, according to GHI’s Skills or near miss as a direct result Survey. Poor pay was named You don’t need a crystal ball to know that contract of the dearth in personnel. the top reason why employees margin squeeze will loom large again in 2020. At least one in ten fl ights is in these roles quit. However, Flybe’s bailout, hot on the heels of omas Cook’s adversely affected because 43% of aviation leaders said collapse, illustrates the harsh realities of a high cost, low margin of ground handling skills they felt current pay levels for game. It’s a gruelling environment in which ground handlers shortages in more than 50% of ramp operative and check-in have had to adapt to thrive. Bolstering operational e ciency, operations, the survey found. roles were commensurate with consolidation, re ning service quality and embracing volume “There is a general lack the responsibilities of the job. have all been evolutionary essentials. We’re le with a breed of people with skills who are Only half of ground of lean, mean, turnaround machines who embrace margins so interested in working at the handling respondents said slender they wouldn’t be out of place in the pages of an A5 jotter. airport,” said one respondent. they had communicated But, we might just have overlooked something crucial Another added: “It’s very their challenges with skills along the way: getting more out of our people. Drop in on the challenging to recruit and shortages during contract typical crew room in between turns and you’ll nd a huddle of retain high quality staff as negotiations with airlines. operatives watching TV or checking their phones before the next arrival. Likewise with PCAs before they’re due back at the gate. Every employee deserves lunch and tea breaks, of course. However, we do face a systematic challenge with employee downtime during the stop-start world of the airport. MEET THE GHI DELEGATE Multi-skilling o ers a fascinating, if controversial, countermeasure. Imagine a station where the team leader Roswitha Becker, MD at GLC, on positioning AKEs in the hold is the same individual checking passports and wishing you a fond farewell at the boarding gate. the need for greater diversity in our ‘Impossible,’ I hear you cry. ‘A rampie would turn the airwaves sector and sunsets over Cape Town blue and a PCA would su er a hernia if we got them shi ing bags in the hold’. Yet, the bene ts of cross training for employee and employer are compelling. Multi-skilling has been shown idea of distant exotic places – to enhance job satisfaction and personal development. It also being an avid traveller already in boosts sta retention levels, productivity, exibility and fosters my youth, I was always intrigued teamwork between disparate areas of the business. by the way the world and its Projects could start small: operatives assisting with labour- GHI: What’s your favourite GHI people live.” sapping PRM requests or pairing up with agents on continuous Conference memory? GHI: Best bit of career advice? improvement project groups. It’s down to us, the business Roswitha: “I have a few that really Roswitha: “Know yourself, leaders, to change the culture. So, let’s stop pigeonholing people stand out so it’s a tough task to surround yourself with a as either front or back of house and shake up the way we hire, choose one, but it would have great team whose strengths train and task our employees. Expect plenty of angst along the to be Bali – the combination of complement yours and say ‘yes’ way; but if multi-skilling enables a happier, more agile the hard work, great cuisine, to challenges.” station operating on a much-improved margin, then the beautiful location and a ordable GHI: What one thing would you end surely justi es the means. What do you think? massages are hard to beat.” change about our industry and GHI: Who/what inspired you to why? Max Gosney seek a career in aviation? Roswitha: “I would like to see Conference Chairman, GHI, [email protected] Roswitha: “I am in love with the greater diversity in leadership

36 February 2020 Ground Handling International THE GHI CONFERENCE COMMUNITY NOT CEBOARD

Aviation leaders go on tour GHI took a group of aviation business GHI SKILLS leaders out on the apron (right) to discover the secrets of operational SURVEY excellence on a tour of Celebi’s station at the new Istanbul airport this month. FINDINGS: The tour formed part of the 2nd GHI Leaders Academy and brought 79% report suﬀ ering delegates face-to-face with a smart a skills shortage at cargo warehouse facility and turnaround European stations activity. Attendees also enjoyed a hands- response to restrict the spread of the virus on workshop on establishing career paths in an announcement on February 7. See from ops through to senior management. asian.groundhandling.com for the latest 77% say a skills shortage updates. has been directly GHI’s Asian Conference deferred to 5-7 May complicit in an accident or GHI has postponed the 13th Asian Do you have a safety story to tell? near miss Conference from 17-19 March GHI is looking for aviation operators who until 5-7 May in response to health can deliver ‘how-to’ presentations on 62% say skills recommendations from the Singapore delivering a high safety culture at their Government over coronavirus. stations. Do you have a successful safety shortages have caused The government urged organisers to defer boosting initiative that you are proud of? a deteriorated service to large scale events as part of a heightened Email [email protected] airline customers 48% say a formal HAVE YOUR SAY diploma/accreditation for Have you got a view on what’s happening in the ground handling industry? Do you want to employees would boost comment on your experiences at a recent GHI conference? E-mail your views to Max Gosney at retention [email protected] and your letter could be published in our next issue.

How are skills shortages affecting you? Email your comments to The best tweets from the GHI Conference Community. [email protected] BIRDS NG Follow the GHI team @GroundHandling @VirginAtlantic launches new Transport bids for a 100 percent Dec 27 A special shout out Safety System to prevent stake in Air India Express to all our crew, ground #baggage and #cargo and Air India’s entire 50 handlers, and ofﬁ ce staff, falling from dollies on the percent stake in ground who are #backtowork not #airport ramp. Read more: handling company AISATS. only today, but 365 days https://bit.ly/2u2N98Q a year @Reuters Feb 10 Latest on @CNBCTV18News @GroundHandling coronavirus spreading in and a quicker uptake of Jan 28 The government International China and beyond innovation to ensure your has also invited preliminary Jan 15 @aurrigotech https://reut.rs/2w3ArYx industry continues to thrive in the future.” GHI: e best thing about your career so far? DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Roswitha: “It is tough to choose one; I think I’ve been incredibly privileged to have had some extraordinary experiences. What does stand out for me is working with incredible people and seeing the world.” GHI: How do you unwind away 5-7 May: 13th Asian GHI 12-13 May: 9th GHI Safety 23-25 June: 6th GHI Americas from work? Conference Conference Conference Roswitha: “Like most Cape Where: Marina Bay Sands, Where: TRYP Barcelona Apolo Where: Sheraton Buenos Aires Townians, it involves sunset, a Singapore Hotel, Barcelona Hotel, Buenos Aires glass of wine, friends and family.” More: asia.groundhandling.com More: safety.groundhandling.com More: americas.groundhandling.com

www.groundhandling.com 37 GREEN SCENE Boxing clever SAS is to launch a new packaging of the award-winning New Nordic by SAS food concept. e new design of the cube is calculated to save up to 51 tonnes of plastics per year. is is one of many important steps toward reaching the SAS goal of having 100% sustainable materials in the customer o ering no later than 2030. With the emphasis on a contemporary in-air dining experience, using locally produced and seasonal ingredients, New Nordic by SAS has had a sustainability focus since it was launched in 2017. e STUTTGART’S GREEN new packaging was launched in late November, with a fresh design and more sustainable materials. CREDENTIALS GROWING “Every day we develop our service o ering and constantly evaluate Late last year Stuttgart airport introduced handling solutions based on sustainable everything we load onboard. We four fully electric baggage and cargo technologies,” added Lothar Holder, remove what is not needed and tractors for fast, quiet and emissions- CEO, Goldhofer, and Head of Airport work to nd innovative solutions free cargo handling. Just as powerful Technology. for our materials and packaging,” as diesel bag tractors, but up to 60% Goldhofer says that its electric tow says Karl Sandlund, EVP and Chief more economical, the Sherpa E tractors tractors o er the same high levels of Commercial O cer. supplied by Goldhofer are now being reliability, safety and exibility as the Some form of plastic is o en used to tow all air cargo to required diesel-powered versions, while energy necessary because of food safety destinations. savings can be as high as 80%. e requirements. erefore, the “In 2018 we rst started using zero- highly e cient 400 V lithium-ion battery suppliers of SAS have come up with emission, battery-operated technology to is designed for fast charging, while a solution that replaces the inside handle passenger and baggage movements intermediate charging is also possible plastic container of the cube with a on the apron. We have now done the in even the shortest of breaks, thanks to paper one. It is made of FSC approved same in the cargo sector by replacing Goldhofer’s IonMaster technology. e paper with a plastic coating, itself diesel-powered cargo tow tractors with net result is 30% higher availability than made from organic plant-based the emissions-free Goldhofer vehicles,” with lead-acid batteries so that the Sherpa plastic instead of the more usual oil- commented Dr Arina Freitag, Managing E can be operated almost continuously based option. Director of Flughafen Stuttgart. over several shi s. In addition, active e cutlery kit in the cube has Goldhofer’s airport technology experts temperature management ensures also been changed. e new kits were closely involved in the planning, maximum battery service life. e Sherpa are adapted to each meal in order organisation and installation of the E can be operated both indoors and to minimise the use of resources, necessary charging infrastructure. “We are outdoors and it comes with a choice of meaning that each piece of cutlery is delighted that the power, e ciency and ballast weights and three cabin options. o ered only if needed. It is calculated sustainability of our high performance With these individual con gurability that by May 2020 the new cutlery will tow tractors are helping Stuttgart airport possibilities, the tow tractors can be found in every cube. to achieve its ambitious climate targets. be customised to meet the speci c At the same time, it motivates us to requirements and operating conditions of continue developing complete ground any airport.

IN BRIEF In South Africa, Solaris-based biodiesel is set to be integrated with ground handling operations at OR Tambo International airport. Sources indicate that this will support a feasible scaling up of feedstock production and infrastructure to the point that a fully localised value chain for a hydro-treated vegetable oil reﬁ nery could be built at some future date. This would produce bio-jet fuel and green diesel. Endorsed by South African Airways, the collaboration involves Sunchem, Swissport, The Royal Bafokeng Nation and iLive.

38 February 2020 Ground Handling International GREEN SCENE

Australian carrier sets its sights on zero CUTTING THE CARBON Following the move by IAG, Qantas has Fraport AG has been systematically some 127,000 tonnes overall. become only the second airline group to implementing stringent climate targets During 2019, ACA-certi ed airports commit to a net-zero carbon emissions since 2008, when the airport operator worldwide achieved total CO2 savings of target by 2050. In November the carrier rst de ned these goals. For the eleventh over 320,000 tonnes. Fraport AG’s Head of announced that with immediate e ect it consecutive year, Fraport has now received Environmental Management, Dr Wolfgang and its subsidiary, Jetstar Airways, would climate certi cation for Frankfurt airport Scholze, said: “In 2008, we set international match every dollar spent by customers under the Airport Carbon Accreditation standards by contributing to the opting to o set the carbon footprint of programme. Launched by the Airport development of the ACA climate protection their ights. is, the group believes, Council International Europe, programme. In 2009, we were the will encourage more travellers to o set the ACA programme assesses rst airport operator in the world their emissions. In addition, the group, how successful airports are to be certi ed.” In addition to which also includes QantasLink and in decreasing their carbon Frankfurt, six more airports Qantas Freight, will o set the growth footprint. in the Fraport Group are in emissions from all domestic and ACI Europe’s Airport now certi ed under the ACA international operations from 2020, Carbon Accreditation programme. going beyond its obligations as laid down programme comprises In 2018, Fraport’s carbon in the CORSIA agreement. Qantas has four climate certi cation footprint for Frankfurt airport said that it would invest A$50m (around levels for airports: Mapping, amounted to 188,631 tonnes

US$33m) over the next decade to help Reduction, Optimisation of CO2. e 2019 gure is not develop a sustainable aviation fuel and Neutrality. Assessments for yet available, but it is forecast to be at industry. granting the certi cation are carried out around 175,000 tonnes. “We are making Qantas’ CEO, Alan Joyce, spoke on the by independent experts. Fraport again consistently good progress,” emphasised Dr net-zero announcement. “We’ve already achieved the “Optimisation” level for Scholze. Over the next ten years, Fraport made some good progress, especially by Frankfurt airport. Compared to 2001, has said that it intends to cut its CO2 investing in newer aircra that have a Frankfurt airport cut its CO2 emissions by emissions at Frankfurt airport to 80,000 much smaller carbon footprint.” more than 40% which was the equivalent of tonnes a year. Groundbreaking GPU!

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www.groundhandling.com 39 TOILET AND WATER

Fraport Slovenia’s water service unit from Mallaghan at the THE BAIR picturesque Ljubljana airport NECESSITIES The Deputy Editor sources a round-up from the manufacturers in the lavatory and water services sector.

hile not the most glamorous of areas is a growing demand for larger volume, so Going green in aviation, that of potable water WGGS40 and WGWS40 has been gaining Zheng asserts that conversion to electric Wand toilet services is nonetheless a popularity.” e GGS50 and GWS50 are is the biggest development that the sector necessary aspect of aircra maintenance becoming a rarer choice, she adds, ordered is currently seeing. Weihai’s own electric – and one that can cost a lot of time only when volume demands necessitate it. o ering was deployed into the market in and money if not done correctly. e Customers praise the ergonomic design around 2018-2019. “Recently, most of our manufacturers bring an update on this and ease of operation of Weihai’s units, modi cations and developments have been specialist sector. Zheng continues. “Hangzhou Xiaoshan focused on clean energy: that includes airport and Kunming airport mentioned upgrading the diesel emission level and China’s choice the six-point oating supporter technology, electric power. Our priority in 2020 China-based Weihai Guantai Airport which brings a smoother drive to the giant remains electric power and we are ready to Equipment manufactures four models water tank. Instead of welding the tank put the full range of electric-powered GSE each of potable water and lavatory service solidly to the chassis, we put three pairs into the international market.” vehicles, including one electric o ering for of the supporters under the tank. e She believes China is marginally ahead each application. supporters act as bu ers while driving, of other countries in the trend towards Zheng Junyue, Product Specialist, making sure the tank moves smoothly clean energy. “Our government has International Business Division, comments without shock,” she explains. been attaching a lot of importance to on the company’s main markets. “Although “Recently we have developed electric- the environment and has issued relative we do sell the trucks overseas, most orders powered models for both lavatory trucks policies aiming to reduce emissions. So as come from Chinese domestic markets. and potable water trucks as a part of a a China-based manufacturer, we have been Each year, we deliver around 30 units of plan to eventually supply the full range of very keen to go electric and upgrade the lavatory trucks and about the same number electric GSE,” she goes on to say. Weihai diesel emission standard.” of potable water trucks to airports all over has already developed a catalogue of at TLD also ags up its electric lavatory China,” she relates. Most popular are the least 12 electric machines, from hi-li o ering – a project that began in 2015, 3 tonne and 4 tonne units, according to loaders to passenger steps and buses. “All with the rst prototype built in July 2016 Zheng. “GGS30 and WGWS30 used to be the newly developed electric models come at its Wuxi, China, factory. “With the the bestsellers, while in recent years there with lithium batteries,” she adds. increased focus on reducing harmful

40 February 2020 Ground Handling International TOILET AND WATER

NEW TO THE FOLD France-based Miloco GSE has recently added a lavatory service truck to its portfolio, which emissions and using clean energy, it was also includes bespoke dollies and trailers, to meet customer demand, relates Export Sales decided to develop a fully electric-powered Manager, Antoine Coatmellec. “The cleaning unit is set up on an electric ZE chassis, with vacuum aircra lavatory servicing vehicle,” a choice of lithium battery or petrol engine vehicle. Appropriate wastewater treatment is says Je Wu, COO of TLD Asia. e provided according to aircraft type, thanks to control panels adjusted by the operator,” he says. electric LSP-900-V-E lavatory service unit Elsewhere in France, Sovam has also added a lavatory truck and fresh water replenishment boasts lower gas and noise pollution than vehicle to its GSE line, both equipped with a de-freezing system. “These two units were a diesel, and is more economical thanks to launched mid-last year,” relates Managing Director Alain Péru. “For the time being, our offer is savings on fuel, lubrication oil and lter limited to western Europe as a version suitable for extremely cold environments still needs to replacements. “With a 900 gallon capacity, be developed. This is our plan for the end of this year/early 2021. The range of this product the unit incorporates a vacuum system family will be extended in the meantime, too.” capable of nishing the job within seconds. e positioning of the cabin, meanwhile, enables a frontal approach towards the equipped with a 40 kWh lithium-ion too. Designed to suit all aircra types, tank aircra , which helps to prevent aircra battery, capable of operating for 12 hours capacities range from 1,000-4,500 litres and damage,” asserts Wu. “ e LSP-900-V-E and covering up to 50 kilometres. units can be customised to suit the needs of is able to service one A380, three A330s, Its water and toilet service units in the customer, explains Marketing Manager almost 20 A320s, 35 B737s or two 747- general continue to sell well to customers Sebastian Koellner. “Our toilet service 8s before the waste must be disposed of. all over the world, Barsoe continues. “In trucks o er signi cant value proposition Furthermore, a high capacity (600Ah) 2019 we produced a large order for a to the market, with a robust vacuum lead-acid battery enables the equipment to European customer. is order includes system that allows operators to reduce both travel for at least 75 kilometres whilst fully the new Data Transmission System aircra turn times as well as maintenance loaded and on a single charge.” solution for water and toilet service units. events driven by blockages,” he relates. ere is also an option for a lithium e last unit of this order was delivered in e design continues to evolve in battery, capable of providing more than 8 January 2020.” response to customer feedback, with hours’ operation in a single shi , while the French ground handler OVID recently additional features such as steam heating system ensures that the LSP-900- took delivery of the last four units from generators and batch control systems V-E works well in temperatures as low as an order of 34 Vestergaard toilet and recently introduced. Vehicle winterisation -20 °C. water trucks. COO François Harel o ers systems have been further developed to feedback. “We received the rst two in suit extreme weather conditions of up to Electric evolution July 2017 to test and adapt them to our -40°C, meanwhile. More than 30 units At the InterAirport Europe show in activities in collaboration with Vestergaard with the Arctic Winter Kit and customised October 2019, Scandinavian manufacturer before ordering the entire eet. e last con guration have been delivered to Vestergaard also pledged its environmental four were delivered in January 2020.” clients in North America, Poland, Russia commitment, announcing its goal to OVID made the switch to Vestergaard a er and Slovenia since 2018. supply CO2 neutral equipment by 2030. su ering ongoing problems with the units Fraport Slovenia is using Mallaghan’s e company presented its rst Vacuum from its previous supplier, with whom water service unit at Ljubljana airport. Says Toilet Service unit, built on its own electric they had 30 trucks, Harel reports. e Karol Ahčin, Ground Handling Technical chassis at the exhibition. “Water and toilet handler’s high volume operation presented Manager, “We are very satis ed with service units can be mounted on the new an opportunity for Vestergaard to further the provided winter package and good electric chassis and the rst units will be develop its equipment, he adds. insulation. e steam generator device for tested with customers during 2020,” says de-icing icecaps on the aircra ’s connector VP Sales and Marketing Lars Barsoe. Tailored oﬀ ering is working excellently.” Suitable for a number of GSE applications, Potable water and toilet service vehicles are Owen McKenna, Sales Director at the fully electric 12 tonne chassis is a staple of the Mallaghan product portfolio, Mallaghan, says that the manufacturer works closely with customers to understand their speci c needs and exceed their expectations. “As a result we have experienced an increase in demand for our water service units and toilet service units in the last 18 months, with orders for more than 140 units,” he notes. Recent business includes contracts with Delta Air Lines and United Ground Express to produce a Vacuum Toilet Service Unit for the North American market last year, utilising an Isuzu NPR-HD chassis and petrol engine. e Vestergaard’s electric chassis for toilet and water applications was manufacturer also enhanced the chassis unveiled at InterAirport last October range for Europe and the Rest of World, introducing the MAN TGE model.

www.groundhandling.com 41 TOILET AND WATER

with the main regulations but also with the local requirements and safety. We discuss with them and the user any additional, speci c technical characteristics and ask them what adaptations the GSE needs to be more e ective. We then study the viability of them with our engineering department and if possible, we will introduce them into the production.” Owing to its production scale, Mellado continues, TECNOVE by JOFRAUTO bene ts from scope for adaptability when building its toilet and water units. Capacity TECNOVE by JOFRAUTO’s production of toilet and water can range from 1,000 to 3,000 litres, while GSE doubled from 2018 to 2019 optional extras include a vacuum pump, rear basket and a 360° camera system. “During 2020, we will continue work to An alternative option the airframe galley and fuselage, he adds, develop our new electric GSE solution Lavatory and potable water service are also and the cost of such an incident can be for water and lavatory,” he relates of the a main product line for AERO Specialties, staggering. company’s ambitions this year. which specialises in units for business “We expect this inexpensive, yet ingenious US-based Phoenix Metal Products also and regional jets, explains Derek Rose, system to save the aviation industry places its emphasis on functional, no- International Sales and Marketing. “We millions of dollars in aircra damage and frills GSE: an approach that continues to are known as the industry experts in this downtime. is product can be installed bear fruit as it enters its twenty- h year eld. Our line of products includes towable on new lavatory service carts and trucks or serving the US lavatory and water service carts as well as a self-contained lav unit as a retro t kit to units in the eld.” market, with both towable and motorised that bolts into any long-bed, 3 to 4 tonne equipment. pick-up truck.” e company also o ers a Keeping it simple Says company President, Brooks Price, self-contained lavatory servicing solution TECNOVE by JOFRAUTO added water “Since we rst started our company, Bill for regional or narrow-body aircra . and lavatory trucks to its portfolio in Wilcox [Sales Director] and I have tried to While most suppliers provide the 2015, and manufacture of these units now make equipment that was simple in design, complete truck system, AERO Specialties represents 10 to 15 % of its production. easy to maintain and to provide the best o ers its customers a much-appreciated “In 2019 we produced 21 water and support of those products that we can. We alternative, manufacturing a series lavatory trucks: more than a 50% increase continually strive to maintain the designs of potable water and lavatory service from our production (of 11) in 2018,” says without overly complicating or adding “inserts” that can be mounted upon a Technical Manager Francisco Mellado. costs that do not pay o to the end user.” truck or service vehicle of the customer’s “Currently, all our vehicles are operating in Customer AccuFleet began its choosing, allowing exibility and cost- our local market of Spain, but from 2020 relationship with Phoenix Metal Products savings. “Additionally, the units can later we have decided to extend our production nearly 20 years ago. “We have some of the be separated from the truck system for to other EMEA countries.” originally purchased equipment in our mounting upon a cart system or other eet Production of some units for Africa and operations today,” says Todd Van Winkle, vehicle.” Many such units are on order the Middle East has already begun, he adds. Director – Technology, Systems & Capital by handlers of narrow-body and regional TECNOVE by JOFRAUTO prides Equipment. “What sets Phoenix Metal aircra , he adds. itself on producing simple, e ective GSE Products apart from the competition AERO Specialties also o ers a unique solutions, reports Mellado, and on its is simplicity in design and function, toilet system. “ e new patented AERO customisation of GSE. “We understand innovation, and quality. e initial lure Specialties Safe-Lav System addresses that the customer is not only concerned was their use of stainless steel in the the aircra damage that can arise from construction of not only the uid improper lavatory service, as tanks but frame and exterior panels. countless dollars and ight is minimises corrosion and hours are lost each year due to appearance upkeep is much easier,” damage caused by over lling he relates. aircra lavatory systems and the “Electrical and hydraulic systems subsequent airframe damage,” have not changed much over the asserts Rose. “ is system years and we appreciate them utilises a dedicated batching tank keeping this simple and easy to to determine and restrict the work with.” maximum quantity of uid that From old favourites to can be delivered to the airframe. accelerating advances in alternative is eliminates the potential for power and newcomers to the eld, aircra over lling due to broken AERO Specialties’ Safe-Lav it seems the provision of toilet ow meters or human error.” System eliminates the and water services is a more uid Over lling the system can also ood possibility of overﬁ lling sector than you might think. ghi

42 February 2020 Ground Handling International 243529_V2_GHAN_GlobalGroundSupport 05/03/2019 15:03 Page 1

www.groundhandling.com 43

Mallaghan enters airport bus market With over 30 years’ experience in the design and “ manufacturing of ground support equipment for customers in more than 100 countries across the world, Mallaghan has launched its ﬁrst airport bus.

e Mallaghan 50W, unveiled at the 2019 Inter Airport Europe Exhibition Ryanair commits to in Munich, is a high capacity airport Our high capacity 32-strong fleet bus, carrying up to 118 passengers. as launch customer Last year Ryanair placed a Chief Executive Ronan Mallaghan airport bus “ multi-million-pound order for a said the company’s entry to the carries up to fleet of 32 airport buses. airport bus market was to meet customer demands as a result of 118 passengers e airline has utilised increasing passenger numbers Mallaghan’s ground support across the world. Ronan Mallaghan equipment at bases across Europe for the last two decades. Extending the product range “With a range of features, Adrian Dunne, Ryanair Director the Mallaghan 50W can be He continued: of Operations, tailored exactly to the “e Mallaghan 50W airport bus requirements of the customer. “Ryanair is delighted to be the broadens our already extensive launch customer for the new “Aersales care is a huge focus for product range and heralds a new Mallaghan bus, who we have dawn for Mallaghan and our 450 Mallaghan and we pride ourselves worked closely with in the design, employees based at our seven on the level of support provided specification and delivery of. locations across the world. to our customers across the world. “ “As we expand the Ryanair “Innovation for aviation has always Group operations, we expect this For more information or to discuss to be the first of many orders been at the core of our business your requirements for an airport and the airport bus, researched and bus please contact the team and look forward to working designed by our talented team in today on +44 (0) 28 8772 3444 or with Mallaghan – one of our key Northern Ireland, is no exception. [email protected] suppliers of ground equipment.”

th 9 GHI SAFETYConference 1213 May 2020 TRYP Barcelona Apolo Hotel

Are you being kept awake by the thought of an operative being injured at one of your aprons? Do you want to discover how new technology can help better protect your people and prevent aircraft “Good for sharing ground damage? information, knowledge Yes? Then we urge you to join us on 12-13 May for best and experience.” practice safety advice from leading industry operators on Altan Meydanli, Chief of Ground and Cargo improving safety standards within the aviation industry. Safety, Turkish Airlines

Presentation topic areas will include: BOOK NOW! Autonomous GSE and safety focused thinking safety behaviours among using new technology to minimise risks during aviation leaders and the €900 to reduce accident risks: turnaround and pushback. impact they can have on early bird rate +VAT examining how artiﬁ cially frontline attitudes to risk. Expires 3rd intelligent GSE could help Creating a high safety March 2020 eliminate common accident culture: the role of IGOM/ISAGO: the latest risks on the apron. Will employee engagement in updates. robots lead to a safer ramp? creating a more proactive near miss reporting culture Enjoy candid case studies PLUS Human factors- getting explored. and panel discussions from enjoy extensive people to do what you leading airlines/GSPs that networking opportunities want safely: examining Your role as a leader in will offer you best practice human behaviours and delivering a strong safety advice on enhancing safety and the chance to expand how you can harness culture: identifying the right at your station. your business network. Visit: safety.groundhandling.com AIRPORT STRATEGIES

Plenty of foreign air carriers pass through Kazakhstan every year

De-icing at Kazakh airports Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev is a may need implementing for key airport and thrives on its six months of the year geographical position

Caspian contenders

he Republic of Kazakhstan is the News and updates from operated for more than three calendar ninth largest country in the world Kazakhstan are rare – but years; and new operators of aircra whose Tin terms of territory size, with a ights were not operated at the airport growing population of 18.4m. e Mainbayar Badarch was there or were not operated for more than three country is favourably located in the calendar years. centre of continental Eurasia and Kazakh recently, and brings this report on Cargo ight discounts are the same as authorities have been actively working to what airports are doing in their for regular international cargo, with a increase its air transit tra c, stressing the frequency of two or more actual ights advantages of the location. bid to woo more customers. per week, with special circumstances. Almaty International airport and ese are new operators of aircra whose Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev International Sultan airports and the ground handling ights have not functioned at the airport airport are the key air gates of the department of Air Astana. Minor ground or have not been carried out for more than country, topping the list of 18 airports handlers include Tarlan Aero, Forpost three calendar years; and for the operator, of republican and regional signi cance Aero Services, Astana Aviation Services, any carrier increasing the frequency of operating in the state. Over the past few K-Generation and Apogee. ights in relation to the previous (similar) years, the share of passengers served by season. the airports of Almaty and Nur-Sultan Discounted tariﬀ policies Discounts are applied on the basis of annually amounted to about 40% and Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev International agreements concluded between the airport 30%, respectively. As of 2018, Almaty airport has improved its ground handling and the aircra operator and are subject to airport’s share rose to 52%; airports of tari policy and is now o ering discounts the conditions stipulated in the contract. Aktau, Atyrau and Shymkent follow, and to attract more carriers. is discount was Discounts spread to current fares and are make up about 5-7% of the total structure approved for passenger and cargo ights valid for regular international passenger of passengers served. as well as de-icing services. e passenger ights on new air tra c for no more than All airports have their own ground ight discount is for regular international ve seasons in aggregate. e bene t of handling services and local airlines such ights with a frequency of two or discounts terminates upon expiration of as Qazaq Air and FlyArystan also have more actual ights per week. Special the terms established by the agreements ground service operations. Major ground circumstances include anyone o ering concluded between the airport and the handlers include Almaty and Nur- an air service on which ights were not carrier.

www.groundhandling.com 47 AIRPORT STRATEGIES

refuelling is carried out by air eld tankers, The lowered service fees whose eet is updated annually. In 2019, two more modern tankers were purchased Tariff without Number Name of service Unit and commissioned. For ltering jet fuel, VAT (USD) modern lters from FAUDI are used. For fuelling aircra , airlines rely on the latest Landing/take-off 1 Per ton MTOW 4.24 Kar Kunz aviation refuelling tankers. (International) e airport investment programme for 2018 was approved by the Board Providing an aircraft parking of Directors to the amount of 5,916m Per ton MTOW for one day. stand for more than 3 hours tenge. Expenses have been directed to This is calculated for each after landing for passenger the modernisation of GSE in a phased hour the aircraft remains 2 and 6 hours for cargo and 0.91 manner. In order to maintain its ground- on the parking stand. cargo-and-passenger Part-hours are counted as based infrastructure in operational certifi ed aircraft types one hour. suitability, the management of Almaty (International) International airport annually plans the cost of purchasing ground-based special vehicles. In the framework of the 3 Marshalling Per one ton MTOW 230.77 investment budget for 2018 it procured special vehicles worth 1,561m tenge. Footnote: US$1 = 387 Tenge is expenditure included provision for a Neoplan apron bus, two Mulag beltloaders, Goldhofer and Schopf tractor units as well as fork-li s, a catering truck, a de-icer and a loader. De-icing incentives GSE upgrades at Almaty International For 2019, the airport also planned Nur-Sultan is one of the coldest capital e geographical location of Almaty capital expenditure related to the ground cities in the world and so aircra de-icing International airport has contributed to service: construction of the on-board o en begins in late autumn and runs its development as a transit hub. Justifying catering building absorbed 1,800m tenge through to early spring. Tari cuts for its purpose, Almaty International has an whilst the construction of a garage for 35 the removal of snow and ice from aircra extensive foreign route network among cars totalled 415m tenge. A car washing surfaces, dependent on carrier frequency, Kazakhstan airports. Currently, about facility for the service of special vehicles is have been appproved. seven cargo airlines and 28 passenger also planned and put at 60.7m tenge. In the case of the purchase of de- and airlines are served at Almaty, which On a broader canvas, the airport also anti-icing uid from the airport when averages 173 ights per day. procured ground-based power sources the operator performs regular ights, Over 2018 Almaty airport handled and an aerodrome service painting facility, discounts are applied to the tari s but are 61,291 arrival and departure ights, and recently upgraded its emergency dependent upon the uid type and the serving a record number of passengers, medical centre. overall volumes that were purchased in some 7.9m people in all. Aircra Airport revenues amounted to 65,312m the previous year. Discounts are applied on the basis of agreements concluded between the airport and the aircra operator for ground handling services; these are valid for 12 Tariffs for airlines operating regular passenger months. Discounts apply to current rates domestic fl ights and the application of discounts for the aircra operator is carried out under the Price in tenge No Name Unit conditions stipulated by the agreement. without VAT e discounts are terminated upon the Check-in domestic regular passenger One counter per expiration of the terms established by 1 9,065.18 agreements concluded between the airport fl ights fl ight and the aircra operator, as well as from the moment the airport might approve For one new tari s. 2 Handling domestic regular passenger fl ights departing 672.32 passenger In any event, all applicable discounts are subject to cancellation by the airport Per baggage 3 Baggage handling domestic regular fl ights 207.14 before the expiration of the established item term if either of the following conditions is present: the economic inexpediency 4 Baggage transportation 15 minutes 3,111.61 of further application of discounts or a failure to comply with the conditions 5 Loading/unloading of baggage Per ton 1,220.54 stipulated by the contract.

48 February 2020 Ground Handling International AIRPORT STRATEGIES

tenge (US$168.8m) in 2018. In terms of urban areas in third freedom countries. share, fuel sales accounted for the largest KAZAKH DATA e change is intended to enhance portion at 57%, followed by ground In 2018, Kazakh airports Kazakhstan’s transit potential and tra c services revenues (31%), provision of on- between them handled over 15m through domestic airports. e mode will board catering (8%) and others (4%). For passengers, representing an be valid for three years (with a possible the revenues from service provision, Air increase of 3% over the previous extension) and potentially could expand Astana, Lu hansa and Turkish Airlines year, including 900,000 transit to the domestic ground handling market. made up 15%, 15% and 14% respectively, passengers (which was 45% Following the decision, some followed by Polar Air Cargo (at 12%), higher). The same year, over negotiations were held with overseas Aero ot (11%), UPS (9%), SCAT Airlines 29,000 tonnes of air cargo was counterparts. For instance, as a result of (7%), Atlas Air (7%), Hong Kong Airlines transported, this up 30% year-on- discussions with the aviation authorities (5%) and Ukraine International Airlines year. For the ﬁ rst eight months of of Oman, low cost carrier SalamAir plans 2019, domestic airlines carried (5%). 5.6m passengers. to begin ights from the capital city Muscat to Almaty in 2020; whilst other The open skies regime agreements include those with AirAsia, Since November 2019 Kazakhstan has Singapore Airlines, LOT Airlines, Ural been busy implementing an open skies Airlines and China Eastern. ere have regime at 11 airports, namely, Nur-Sultan, also been meetings with Qatar and United Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda, the regime provides the removal of Arab Emirates aviation authorities, since Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Kokshetau, restrictions on the number of ights and Qatar Airways, Emirates and FlyDubai are Taraz, Petropavlovsk and Semey. e the provision (to foreign airlines) of the all expected to follow suit. open skies regime will allow more foreign h freedom rights in areas where Kazakh In conclusion, the country is certainly carriers and more ights to operate at carriers do not operate. pulling out the stops in an e ort to bolster Kazakh airports. Foreign carriers ying under the above- its advantageous geographical position. According to the Ministry of Industry mentioned freedom will be authorised to And, from the data available, its strategies and Infrastructural Development, make connections through the cities to appear to be working. ghi

www.groundhandling.com 49

AIRCRAFT WASHING

Aerowash, with success in Asia and the Middle East, has taken its products to the US

Slightly tangential, ISS has set up a dish washing facility in Frankfurt

Beneﬁ ts of a clean exterior are important when salt water is on the route

WATER WORKS Aircraft washing remains a niche sector yet one that brings manifold beneﬁ ts to the user, notes the Editor.

or Riveer, 2019 has been a very environmental within the aviation sector. bespoke helicopter wash system at Fort busy year in terms of the aviation Rowan continues: “ e vast majority of Campbell that uses high e ciency hot “F wash and clear water rinse side,” our aviation business was in the military water boilers to provide hot water for the states Je Rowan, Director Military sector, split almost evenly between aircra wash system installed there. is Programs at Riveer Environmental. foreign and domestic customers. On the was a unique system in that Riveer sited “CWRS (clear water rinse/wash systems) commercial side, our wash bay and wash the hardware (two hot water aircra - installations took place in a number booth systems continue to draw a lot of safe wash systems, a high volume foam of locations around the globe, with interest for component washing tasks and delivery system and an aircra -safe additional systems booked for future we see this segment as an opportunity water cannon) outside of the hangar in a installation.” Aircra wash systems for us in the future, using aircra -safe modi ed ISO container. All utilities enter are seeing good traction as well, with and speci c equipment, and not o -the- the hangar through an insulated, custom Riveer unveiling both the Wingman hot shelf options. Many of these o -the-shelf fabricated passage, while powered hose water hangar wash skid and a prototype solutions end up doing more harm than reels and a remote panel allow the system deployable wash cart, the ACDS, which good and o en exceed manufacturer to be controlled from the hangar. is is now undergoing testing down at Fort limits for water application. At this point, provides a hot water wash system while Campbell. “We have made improvements our 2020 production schedule is lling fast using a fraction of the natural gas needed to the programme and the hardware on as well, so I would say some of the military for a traditional burner and coil heater our aircra clear water rinse systems that is embracing the bene ts of proactive set-up. are allowing for better control of the water corrosion mitigation and stepping up delivery as well as better water recovery their e orts in this area – but there is a lot Another busy year and management.” more work on our part to be done in the Last year was also a very busy time for is latter comment is indicative, education and best practice arena.” Aerowash, relates Niklas Adler, the perhaps, of the growing interest in matters Last year saw the company install a company’s Managing Director. “On the

www.groundhandling.com 51 AIRCRAFT WASHING

TOP-RANKING SOLUTION FOR THE MILITARY A source within the 160th was able to comment on one particular military installation from Riveer. “We had an existing indoor wash system that from the date of installation was non-functional. After over two years of attempting to work through the installing vendor, we broke ranks and asked Riveer to fi x it or replace it. Having surveyed the equipment they told us they did not wish to attempt a repair, and that it would be more cost-effective to replace the unit. “The solution that Riveer offered was a modifi ed shipping container that was insulated and outfi tted with two high effi ciency, on demand water heaters as well as the necessary pumps, control panels, high capacity air compressor and utilities. This piece of equipment was required in order to fully wash Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters for pre-deployment, post-deployment, scheduled maintenance and, when scheduling allowed, to conduct normal time driven wash events. In doing so we already knew that we wanted hot water from two separate high volume, low pressure, water guns, as well as high volume foam and rinse. The entire system needed to be self-contained and basically be plug and play, with existing connections for utilities. “From the of the funding to the time of installation was probably 60 days. The installation was executed with a local contractor doing the utility connections with Riveer overseeing the equipment emplacement. The system literally worked fl awlessly from the very fi rst moment that power was applied. In turn, our soldiers conduct better washes because of the state-of-the-art, reliable, equipment that was provided and because of that they conduct better maintenance since they are working on cleaner aircraft. “We take the “special” very seriously in our name of Special Operations: we demand the best, most reliable equipment available. We have a no fail mission and we expect the same of our equipment. Riveer has provided us, consistently and repeatedly, with the best equipment available on the market.” marketing side, we really started to gain traction in the US market, together with our US distributor, that of US Aviation Services. We also opened our own US subsidiary last year, Aerowash US. During the rst quarter we will deliver four washing systems to the US, and more will follow. “Again, in the Middle East and Asia, we have been very active, with new partnerships in several countries. e growth in the aviation industry in those regions also gives the sector a strong push The cleaning of individual to become more e ective when it comes aviation-related components to washing. We expect that Asia and the could be a developing market Middle East will grow a lot during the coming years. Another good year “In Europe, we mainly focused on the Last year was another successful Duty Management Centre for all our InterAirport show in Munich. It was a period for ISS Ground Services, with airport stations, which means we’re great success, with a lot of interest shown growth in revenues and new service dispatching all services on the apron from from all parts of the industry. Europe still implementations. one single point of contact in Vienna. feels a bit slow compared with Asia and “Austrian Airlines granted us a new Whether it’s Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, US, however. contract for Security and Passenger Frankfurt or Vienna, our customer has “On the technical side, we introduced a Services in Terminal 3 and within three one contact for all stations. new brush last year for ‘dry wash’ cleaning. months we had set up a completely new “We were also the rst company ever e ‘dry wash’ concept is also an emerging service comprising luggage handling, to set up our own independent dish trend that we believe will grow stronger passenger guidance and travel document washing centre for airline catering in in the marketplace. e reason for this checks,” says Sascha Niessl, Regional Frankfurt. In only 25 days we realised a is that it allows more exible washing Manager. “We hired more than 100 huge capital project: walls, oor, lighting, since no water is used, making it address new sta members within a few weeks. air conditioning and all the washing environmental concerns and the like. Furthermore, we also won the o ce equipment had to be set up from scratch. “Naturally, our main focus has been on cleaning contract of Austrian Airlines “Furthermore, our team had to run the civil market. However, during 2019 for all sites and areas, which we also the pre-existing operation without any we also started to see a lot of interest from successfully started by April. Despite the issues and move all the processes and the military sector and at the moment we short setting-up time in both cases, we equipment during the same period. have proposals out with several air forces met the expectations of our customers All the sta members did an amazing around the globe. and experienced a good transition with job in this project and guaranteed a “ is is a new development for us,” he these two services. smooth changeover, as well as customer says enthusiastically. “We also implemented a centralised satisfaction.” ghi

52 February 2020 Ground Handling International C

CMY

www.groundhandling.com 53 HI-LIFTS & LOADERS

Battery autonomy a key feature of the latest electric Up, up, up… hi-lifts from TLD There are well over a dozen manufacturers of this technology around the world; Alwyn Brice brings an update on a sector that is simply booming.

Chinese market moving In common with other suppliers, this with the development and production Chinese manufacturer Weihai Guangtai’s manufacturer has also been addressing of an electric 14 tonne hi-li , which container and pallet loaders have been safety concerns. A er several years of initially at any rate will be targeted at the designed for ease of maintenance, high improvement, its approach alarm system Chinese market, where electric power is reliability and e ciency, something (the ADPS) has been honed and has fast becoming the ramp standard, in line evidenced by many examples of positive proven to be extremely dependable. In with government pressure. A lithium-ion feedback from its overseas customers, says addition to this, the loader structure has battery lies at the heart of the new loader. the manufacturer. recently been re-engineered to achieve a “Seven tonne loaders continue to be our Best-selling equipment has always been steadier operation and higher e ciency. best sellers,” notes Schimkat, “but the 14 the 7 tonne and 14 tonne ULD loaders, Finally, the loader’s power system has tonne version is catching up. China is also reports the company spokesperson: to been upgraded: the emission bar on diesel turning out to be a major customer for our be speci c, the WGSJT7, WGSJT7W, models has been raised from Stage 3 to loaders.” WGSJT7WH and WGSJT14 models. e Stage 5 while the battery system of the He adds that, little by little, the entire WGSJT7W is actually a widened version electric models has been upgraded from Trepel loader range is going through the based on the standard WGSJT7 model lead-acid to lithium-ion. electri cation process: the 35, the 70 and and the WGSJT7WH is a taller version As an interesting update, all the Weihai the 140 can now all be speci ed with this of the WGSJT7W. ese popular loader Guangtai electric loaders sold to Hong green technology. types are echoed elsewhere amongst the Kong until recently were powered by Looking ahead, he foresees increased manufacturing community. lead-acid batteries. Last year one unit capacity on the horizon, which is surely Weihai Guangtai relates that for some with lithium batteries went to Hong Kong a measure of the success of this German years it has been selling electric loaders on trial, and this could well open up the company’s output. to Hong Kong, where in all around 20 market there for lithium. (For a more in-depth look at Trepel’s hi- loaders have been delivered. During li s, see the report on pages 31-32). 2019 it also received a few more orders Looking good for Trepel from mainland China, with overseas For Trepel’s Carsten Schimkat, arguably Spotlight on the US sales starting to make progress. In short, the most signi cant news of late has been During 2019, demand from airlines and it has been witnessing a growing market in the realm of pushbacks; but having ground handlers for the JBT Commander demand for electric powered GSE. said that, the company has also been busy 30i main deck cargo loader was very

54 February 2020 Ground Handling International HI-LIFTS & LOADERS

strong, driven by the dynamic growth of Trepel’s big news is the express air freight, declares Kevin Cecil, development of an electric hi-lift destined for China Engineering Manager, Loaders. “ is comes 25 years a er the Commander 30 (the Commander 30i’s predecessor) entered service as the rst cargo loader designed to service express air freight carriers. “Sales of the Commander 15i electric continued to remain steady, as more airports have facilities available for recharging electric loaders. JBT feels very strongly about the future of electric loaders and has recently introduced to the market the Commander 30i electric 15 tonne main deck and Ranger electric 7 tonne cargo loaders.” e company highlight, perhaps, is that cargo loaders in North America and Part of the TLD loader attraction is during the past year JBT has been testing today it produces loaders in Wuxi, St the nearly universal acceptance of its a Ranger loader with an autonomous Lin and Sherbrooke; it is the latter where Aircra Safe Docking system (ASD) docking feature, which is programmed the majority of TLD’s world production feature as a practical solution to anti- to automatically follow safe operating occurs. As with most GSE, the trend to go collision required by IATA. ASD +, an protocols when interfacing with the electric is growing exponentially, to the evolution to autonomously assist the aircra . A key feature of the Ranger’s point that in 2019 over 50% of the loaders operator in docking to the cargo door, is autonomous docking system is its ability delivered were battery powered. Today’s now being demonstrated to customers. to interface with the cargo bay without the E Loader production is a mix of 3.5, 7 What sets the TLD E product line apart aid of a decal target attached to the aircra and 15 tonne, running on lead-acid or is the autonomy it has. is is achieved fuselage: this was important to JBT’s lithium-ion, but TLD avers that the latter through the loader’s unique architecture customers, declares Cecil. chemistry is becoming more and more which is really a “from the ground up” accepted. design that focuses on energy e ciency French polish by driving high consumption functions as Last year CIMC Airmarrel saw a steady much as possible electrically, rather than demand from its historical markets, hydraulically, and taking advantage of the namely Europe, Asia and the Middle East, regeneration of energy when lowering the but it also witnessed an increasing interest FUTURE elevator platform. is energy e ciency from the US and Canada. TECHNOLOGY is allowing users a full day’s work in the “Requirement for our main deck loaders CIMC Airmarrel is now most demanding environments at cycle increased signi cantly in 2019, and while developing 3.5 tonne and 7 speeds equivalent to a diesel-powered demand for 14 tonne capacity remained tonne loaders powered by a machine. e already large TLD Canadian high in Europe, interest in heavy duty combination of hydrogen and factory was expanded in 2019 to meet the electric. Many readers will know cargo loaders like our LAM35000 is increasing demand and production rates that hydrogen technology is no sharply increasing in Asia, the Middle East stranger to the manufacturer; have increased accordingly, in preparation and Africa, thanks to the heavier freight these vehicles will be tested in for what appears to be a strong 2020. ghi operations in these regions,” notes the France during the second half of company’s Gwenn Hervet. 2020, for a scheduled product CIMC Airmarrel o ers now one of the launch in early 2021. most complete ranges of fully electric vehicles, ranging from 3.5 tonne lower deck to 14 tonne main deck loaders. “We developed in 2019 an electric version of the best-selling LAM3500, which is already in operation in several countries, including France; and we have just released our new LAM14000 11 series. In addition to diesel Stage 5 engines, the LAM14000 can be o ered with both lead- acid and lithium-ion batteries, based on customer and regional requirement. While lead-acid batteries are more commonly used in Europe, lithium-ion is a must in China, currently the leading country for electric GSE.” TLD has a long history of producing

www.groundhandling.com 55 RAMP SAFETY BRIEFING

BEYOND CONVENTION

This issue Dimitry Peters, Manager Processes & Procedures Ground Operations at Eurowings Aviation, shares some thinking outside of the box.

aving been working in Loader motivation Ground Operations is year, we broke summer Management for several heat levels, I believe, for the Hyears now, I have come tenth time in a row. Welcome, up with some unconventional climate change! Outside air ideas which I would like to temperature on vacation is a “But what do we do to share with the world. di erent thing compared with E ciency is key, right? If the actual temperature on improve the loader’s the ight is late, full speed is the ramp if you have to load granted, which means burning baggage weighing up to 30 more fuel and creating a kilogrammes a time. journey?” generally more stressful All day. experience for everyone. No Every day. need to mention the safety In my analysis I basically implications here. Having realised that ground improvements must include an is everything. Put yourself in conducted a generic analysis operations-wise it is all about understanding of that. And by the loader’s shoes. Bad, isn´t of our delays and research the loader. at one loader, that I mean the human factor. it? Do you want to go for the of this journal’s topics, I whether he or she is hot, is break right now or will you do found a major discrepancy. not motivated. If it is cold, Culture change this one more aircra ? My analysis showed a huge he or she is not motivated. I am talking here about a Now imagine that one elephant in the room that Psychology trumps everything. general culture change. We airline, which all through the nobody is talking about. e future of ground handling do everything to improve the heatwave gave out free cold customer journey, putting energy drinks, played hip technology on the ramp. We summer tunes in the cargo invent more procedures every holds, and where possible From Relations to the ramp day. But what do we do to cooled down the holds to 20°C Peters’ background is one of International improve the loader’s journey? just for the loaders. Imagine, Relations but he became a ramp agent after What do we do in terms of this purser or PIC going his studies because the work had attracted the human aspect? How many down with a tray of cooled him for years. After two years on the cabin sta really think about drinks to the loading crew. A ramp he caught the attention of an airline “those down below” and o er matter of maybe two minutes. which hired him in the role of a Process them a cold drink or a smile or Sounds long? Check out the Manager. Today, over three years later, he even an “hello”? average delay through a lack of is responsible for ground operations, load control procedures and leasing processes. Motivation: think hot. ink motivation in hot temperature Peters has also written several manuals. 50°C on the ramp and two conditions. more aircra to go. A break Or ask me.

56 February 2020 Ground Handling International RAMP SAFETY BRIEFING

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED

THE SWISS CHEESE SYNDROME which appeared normal to the fl ight crew until, part A company providing a range of airline ground of the way around the 90° turn to face west, the support services has been fi ned after an employee Captain became aware that the aircraft was close fell from a height of more than two metres. to the edge of the apron. In this incident a ramp worker was injured during He duly questioned the situation with the the loading of luggage on to an aircraft during the member of the ground crew on the headset and turnaround. The agent actually fell through a gap was told that the situation was under control. The in the guard rail at the top of a luggage beltloader aircraft then stopped at an angle to the taxi-way whilst kneeling upon it to fasten cargo straps; the centreline, with its nose pointing towards the grass fall was the consequence of the beltloader being area beyond the edge of the apron. struck by a passing vehicle. A fall of 2.2 metres (7 However, the aircraft started to roll forward, feet) on to the tarmac below ensued, which resulted which the Captain thought was in order to align in the agent losing consciousness. The worker with the taxi-way centreline; he quickly became was subsequently diagnosed with a brain injury, concerned about the direction of travel, which was fractures of the skull and cheekbone, together with towards the grass, and called the ground crew permanent hearing loss in the right ear. to stop. There was no reply and to compound the A Health and Safety investigation found that issue, the pilot did not apply his brakes because the handling company had foreseen the risk of a he thought that he was still being towed. (Operator collision between the various vehicles operating SOPs dictate that braking under a tow is not in a congested space around the aircraft during advisable since the action can cause damage to a turnaround but had failed to implement the nose landing gear through the tug pushing or measures to guard against the risk of driver error pulling against the aircraft brakes). when manoeuvring vehicles around aircraft. The Shortly afterwards the aircraft stopped, investigation also found that the handler was aware accompanied by an unfamiliar noise which was It is all about caring, sharing that beltloaders had a gap in the rails between the the underside of the aircraft contacting the roof of and showing sympathy. I aircraft and the barriers but that it failed to put in the tug cab. After the engines were shut down the worked on the ramp and have place any meaningful measure to control the risk airport rescue and fi re fi ghting service inspected seen it all and experienced it that someone might fall through the gap. the damage and the fi re crew informed the all myself, even if sporadically. This sad incident underlines the fact that pilot that the number two engine was damaged I have not seen a culture. I beltloaders are not steps or platforms – yet they are but there was no fuel leak and no need for an have not seen loaders being commonly used as such. Gaps between rails and evacuation. included in any company the fuselage may be inevitable, since beltloaders According to a report from the ground handling policy consideration. vary in design. However, what opened up the holes agent, the rainy conditions had played a role in the Let there be one airline that in the Swiss cheese here was the impact from a incident. The handling company stated that the tug the loaders prefer and believe passing vehicle: had the handler not been exposed driver had had diffi culty seeing the taxi line because me, even in the most di cult on the beltloader, then the outcome might have of the wet refl ective surface of the apron and the conditions, loaders will go been different. tug was struggling to move the aircraft because a the extra mile. And more so, And if any reader has a suggestion for preventing high gear had been selected. The turn to L3 was because nobody else does it. a collision between two units of GSE on the ramp, made late and the aircraft’s position was closer to ey will go for the break a er then please get in touch. the edge of the apron than normal. this aircra has departed. e Again, a sequence of seemingly unrelated events rst to jump on this altruistic KEEP OFF THE GRASS! contributed to an unhappy outcome, with an aircraft bandwagon is potentially An aircraft carrying 180 passengers recently in this instance put out of service. Fortunately, there going to reap huge long term collided with a pushback truck and sustained were no injuries occasioned. bene ts with “the other side” damage to its engine, fuselage, wing and landing of aviation. It may not be the gear. TAKING STEPS… posh and stylish side – but it’s While being pushed back from Stand 18 at the Three passengers were standing on the top of the the one which assures safety. airport, the aircraft was stopped with the pushback rear steps, about to board a B737, when the steps It’s the one which assures the and towbar positioned at a signifi cant angle to the suddenly moved and dropped down approximately work gets done. Come snow, aircraft’s nose. The towbar disconnected from the two feet, as the driver prepared for their removal. come heat. Why not pay some nose landing gear, and the aircraft rolled forward Understandably, the passengers had no idea about attention to that? and struck the tug. what was happening and so jumped hurriedly on to is is about long term According to the investigation, the pilot became the aircraft. One of these was a young boy, whose company strategy to include concerned at the direction of travel of the aircraft parents were obviously in a state of panic over the the loader. while it was being pushed out for take-off. movement. The reporter duly advised the handling is is about motivation and Both engines were started during the pushback, agent who in turn spoke to the driver; this latter psychology. is is about a culture change. ghi

www.groundhandling.com 57 RAMP SAFETY BRIEFING

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED

replied that the steps had not moved more than a couple of inches. This response to which the ground crew’s replies were again non-standard was irrelevant, for the steps should not have moved at all if there were or non-responsive: both “roger” and “clear pressurise aircraft” were still passengers on them. The handler was reminded of the procedure. used. During this time, one or two attempts to push the aircraft with the Shortly after, whilst boarding wheelchairs via the ambulift, as soon as park brake still set were felt and heard in the aircraft; there was a slight the last PRM had stepped on to the aircraft, the handler removed the rocking backwards and an increased engine note from the tug. The retractable fl oor on his lift from the aircraft, leaving a gap of about three Captain immediately contacted the ground crew to reaffi rm that “park feet. This could have been extremely dangerous if any of the passengers, brake was set” and that pushing back could not be attempted until they who had just boarded, had stepped back. Again, the agent was advised had instructed the fl ight crew as per the procedures in the GOM/OMA to of the malpractice. release the park brake. Basic training is at fault here, leaving one to conjecture whether Fortunately for all the parties involved, the attempts to push the B787 familiarity is breeding a little contempt on the apron. were not deemed forceful enough to have been suffi cient to damage the aircraft - but they had the potential to, had the ground crew persisted in PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES their manoeuvres. In our fi nal example there was a clear lack of adherence to push back The push back was fi nally completed and the tug correctly released. procedures by the ground handling team. During departure of the B787, the ground crew provided positive confi rmation that all pre-departure checks were complete. The fl ight crew then received ATC push and start clearance on stand 19. The Do you have a story to tell or an incident to relate that could Captain stated (as per the OM-A 8.2.2.7) that the aircraft had been benefi t readers of these pages? Please write to the Editor (alwyn@ cleared to push and start and that the park brake was set. The ground groundhandling.com), giving details. Names and locations will not crew did not respond to the request for brakes be released for push. appear in any material subsequently used. Instead, they responded with “roger”. The Captain sought clarity to the

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PREMIER NETWORKING 83% of 2019 attendees discovered a new business lead Join us at the 6th Americas Enjoy a personalised One-to-One Meetings service, fully GHI Conference, Buenos Aires managed by GHI’s team and connect with an expected 95% approval rating for our One-to-One Meetings Planner 350 aviation stakeholders looking to discover new MEET WITH THE MAJOR PLAYERS business opportunities across 30+ airlines targeting new routes in North and Latam markets the Americas region. From 350 senior aviation directors and managers under one roof: airlines and airport operators, 2019 attendees estimated an average travel saving of $8,973 by equipment manufacturers and meeting peers at the Americas Conference ground service providers – the Attendees from 30+ countries including Dominican Republic; conference is a one-stop shop Mexico; Colombia; USA; Brazil, Argentina; Chile for aviation operators across the Americas region to connect BEST PRACTICE-LED CONFERENCE SEMINARS and discover operational best Expert advice on combatting staff attrition practice. Register now and Developing a ground handling strategy ﬁ t for the Americas market beneﬁ t from: 76% of 2019 attendees discovered a solution to a business challenge at our conference seminars SAVE THE DATE 2325 JUNE 2020 SHERATON BUENOS AIRES HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER REGISTER NOW: americas.groundhandling.com FACTORY VISIT

Far left: a weld fracture on a fabricated axle; left, planetary gearing; below, New Age axle destined for the US market

Solutions for a new age The Editor reports on a British company that is doing good business in the US.

RM-Newage (or PRM-Marine – it all fame. e son majored in transmissions construction driveline for vehicles. rather depends upon which sector is and engines, thereby laying the foundation e construction side of the industry Pimportant to you) has a somewhat stones for the current business. nosedived in 2008 because of stagnation convoluted history. Today, it is a very e UK’s Midlands, the home of in the housing market, with the demand well-known name on the American ramp, engineering and car building, saw in the for o -road machinery all but drying but its products are discreet and rarely 1960s many car manufacturing companies up. New owners, Rob Turner and Colin sighted. Axles, its stock-in-trade, are not change hands or become absorbed by Howell, stepped in and relaunched the the most conspicuous of addenda, yet are bigger entities: BMC took over Riley and enterprise under the fresh company name vital for the vehicles that serve aircra at a subsequently discarded the moniker, of PRM-Newage. “ ankfully the marine host of airports across the Atlantic. although Riley continued to make side was still buoyant,” recalls Turner. As a GSE component supplier, the marine gearboxes as well as rudimentary “Marine orders kept on coming through company is just over 11 years old although gearboxes for o -highway dump trucks but so did the occasional request for its origins date back to the early twentieth and the like. e acquisition of Newage, a axles and gearboxes.” e company was century. e PRM part comprised the Scottish company making axles, in 1972, (and still is) one of just a handful of axle initials of its founder, one Percy Riley, the was deemed a useful move, for it enabled manufacturers in the UK, it should be son of Lord Riley of vehicle manufacture the company to produce a complete noted.

www.groundhandling.com 61 FACTORY VISIT

At the time of writing, Turner stated that THE HEART OF THE TECHNOLOGY anything up to 800 beltloader axles were The key point of the Newage front axle is the fact that it is cast in one piece, this being sold to the US annually, and the rst including the all-important trunnion housing. In fact, Newage does away with the examples for the TUG 660 beltloader were traditional kingpin approach to steering, relying instead on a simpliﬁ ed tapered actually being readied in December 2019. roller bearing within a sealed-for-life trunnion. There’s no play to worry about and no maintenance to forget. The fact that the angled housings are cast into the one-piece Steering in a new direction axle means they beneﬁ t from greater strength and are far less prone to the likelihood Turner also made the decision to develop of fracture, something that has dogged the welded approach to axle construction a range of front dead steer axles to when it has been exposed to the ramp environment. complement the rear drive axle range. Using front and rear Newage axles bene ts the user and builder as there are many common components used Volumes began to grow but as this con gurations and standard wheel rim across the two and both use the same occurred, Turner decided that he design. design ethos as the rear axle – solid cast could usefully deploy the inherent axle A speci cation was passed to Newage iron with not one welded joint. Turner technology elsewhere: in essence, he and it became one of four companies feels that current GSE front dead steer didn’t want all that tooling to go to waste. involved in the tender. A six month trial axles are a welded construction which ensued, at the end of which the Newage has a fundamental design weakness: the The FedEx breakthrough solution was found to be the most robust; most important thing is the integrity and Turner remembered a contact he had at a 12 month trial followed that, and once strength of the unit machined from solid FedEx and reprising communication in again the British product triumphed. cast iron. However, going down this route 2011, it transpired that the latter logistics Acting on this positive result, FedEx does necessitate very expensive ve-axis expert was experiencing problems on talked to TUG, its tractor supplier, about machinery, which is perhaps why there are the ramp. Simply put, the rear axles on the wisdom of adopting the Newage cast not too many suppliers about. its baggage tugs were constantly in the iron axle; about this time further axles workshop for repair; ground sta were were supplied to both Delta Air Lines Inside the factory not helping the situation, either. ese and UPS for trial, since they, too, were On walking around the Newage premises, were highly stressed units, as might be experiencing longevity problems. TUG this fact is impressed upon the visitor: expected, as the incumbent axle design duly agreed to their adoption and indeed, there are machines of all sizes and types, only featured a double reduction which its acceptance was also underlined by some extremely expensive indeed. At compromised the axle to a degree. For his Charlatte US and NMC Wollard. Newage, very few (perhaps around 5%) part, Turner’s set-up comprised a triple e die, as it were, was cast. components are actually bought in: the reduction by including inboard planetary But it didn’t end there: the success of the rest is manufactured in-house. gearing thereby spreading the axle load Newage rear drive axles in baggage and “We typically buy in the very simple across three elements: the transfer box freight tractors led to the logical next step: items or those which we think are too gearing then di erential gearing and the move from tractors to beltloaders was demanding for us to fabricate,” explains thirdly, the inboard planetaries. is easily achieved, and PRM-Newage began Turner. “Our outsourcing is actually very design also allows standard braking supplying rear axles for this type of GSE. limited.”

Stub axles, cleaned and ﬁ nished, now ready for the ﬁ nal assembly phase “We typically buy in the very simple items or those which we think are too demanding for us to fabricate” Rob Turner, Managing Director

62 February 2020 Ground Handling International FACTORY VISIT

axle output destined for the US market. It’s worth noting that of its £10m annual turnover, the GSE sector now contributes around £5m; the marine side accounts for perhaps £2m, the rest being given over to electric axles. Electric axles, in short, are a best seller for the company: Newage’s neat solution A popular axle from Newage has meant that some 25,000 units have shows the cut-out in the been put into the market over the past 15 casing for the transfer box years. And next? For Turner, it’s all about developing new markets, and he has Today the company employs a little are put through their paces. e building Europe rmly in his sights. Initial sales over 60 sta and as Turner remarks, now occupied, which comprises around have been made, so now it’s a case of given the engineering hinterland of the 270,000 square feet, actually dates back to building on those. Midlands, there is no shortage of skilled 1972 and is now pretty full; full enough for Axles may not be the most prosaic labour. Just one shi a week su ces for the MD to be actively looking for larger element within the world of GSE but current output although some night work premises. But it’s a tall order, since the clearly, a robust product equates to less is undertaken, too. Included within the immediate region is home to myriad other downtime, thereby quickly negating the factory is a spray area as well as a test rig manufacturing companies. Despite that, slightly higher cost. And cost, needless and specially constructed test cells where Newage sees two 40 foot containers leave to say, is something that every handler is at given intervals axles and gearboxes the factory each month, with most of the focused on today. ghi 22nd AnnualGHI Conference

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17/10/2019 14:56 To discuss opportunities with ALI please contact Anthony Smith www.airlogisticsinternational.com [email protected] or + 44 (0) 1322 221144 GSE FOCUS

ALL ELECTRIC TURN

It has fi nally happened: the green turn. Late in 2019, a ground handler safely turned a fl ydubai next generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft using only zero-emission ground support equipment at Dubai International’s Terminal 2. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group, fl ydubai and Dubai Airports, said of the event: “Sustainability is a key focus across operations at the Emirates Group, fl ydubai and Dubai Airports. The UAE is a major global aviation hub, and in line with the country’s vision to ensure sustainable development while preserving the environment, we are committed to taking meaningful initiatives and continually challenge our processes to deliver the highest possible value for all of our stakeholders. The green turnaround, involving a collaborative effort from airline, ground handler and AWARD FOR AUTONOMOUS airport operator, highlights Dubai’s commitment and ability to make a difference by using resources in a TRANSPORTATION sustainable manner.” Handler dnata, which was responsible for the world rst in autonomous and last mile transport solutions. turn, is constantly investing in equipment to improve technology helped a It was quickly recognised operational effi ciency and reduce its environmental A Coventry manufacturing that this technology could be footprint. During the green turnaround, dnata’s specialist claim a prestigious applied to other sectors and dedicated team transported bags with electric baggage prize at the Heathrow Clean we were delighted when we tractors to the aircraft and applied electric conveyor Vehicles Partnership Awards. started working with IAG and belts to offl oad and load baggage and cargo. The Working in partnership with British Airways on exploring passengers of the airline’s Karachi and Faisalabad International Airlines Group the possibility of autonomous fl ights were disembarked and boarded through and British Airways, Aurrigo’s luggage dollies. towable passenger stairs. After the boarding had been autonomous luggage dolly “ e impressive initial completed, the ground handler’s staff pushed the secured the Innovator award for results have been reinforced aircraft back from the gate with an electric towbarless the way it has been helping to by the project being awarded pushback tractor, positioning it ready for taxi and potentially reduce emissions and the ‘Innovator’ title at the departure. Throughout the turn, the aircraft ground improve e ciencies in getting Heathrow CVP Awards, beating power was provided by Dubai International’s fi xed passenger bags to and from the competition from some very electrical ground power facilities. terminal. impressive innovations in Green or hybrid options have been around for a Judges were impressed with the process. Airports have while now, and it is encouraging to see the dots fi nally the initial results of the rst two the requirement to move vast being joined up on the ramp. phases of the trial that has been numbers of people, goods, running at Terminal 5 and the luggage and a variety of other way that the dolly can reduce materials around a huge site and passenger waiting times, as well autonomous technology can as o er a host of environmental provide the aviation industry improvements. Carrying up with a solution that has zero to 40 bags in one journey, emissions and massively the driverless dollies use the increased e ciencies.” latest navigating technology to Chris Garton, Chief Operating memorise the air eld in order O cer at Heathrow airport, to determine the shortest route added: “We’re delighted to trial to transport luggage. Unlike new technologies that will make the current vehicles, they will our airport more e cient, safe IN BRIEF depart for the aircra as soon as and sustainable. Signi cant Jet Aviation has received the International Standard each one is full, speeding up the progress is being made with for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage aircra loading process. driverless vehicles and these 1 Registration from the International Business Miles Garner, Sales and trials will help us provide the Aviation Council for its Amsterdam and Rotterdam Marketing Director at Aurrigo, infrastructure necessary to be at FBOs in The Netherlands. It intends to achieve commented: “We are best known the forefront of this technology.” IS-BAH Stage 2 Registration for both FBOs by for the work we are doing in If successful, the dollies could December 2021. pioneering driverless pods that transport customers’ baggage to are typically used to deliver rst and from the aircra by 2021.

www.groundhandling.com 65 LAST CALL AIR OF COMPOSURE Felicity Stredder presents a selection of some of the more unusual and light-hearted stories from the sector…

n a very civilised fashion, an aircra . Much like petty a musician travelling on a the from expensive hotel IDelta Air Lines ight gave rooms by guests keen to recoup an impromptu performance their costs, airlines are victim to passengers and crew as a to kleptomaniacal passengers bartering tool in exchange for determined to get their some room in the congested money’s worth… overhead bins. Although there are no recent e man wanted to stow his surveys that explore the violin for the ight, but with from airlines, with airfares all compartments full, a ight frequently an everything- attendant suggested he play the costs-extra a air, travellers instrument for passengers as a seem to be seeking their own trade-o for a spot. compensation more and more. “If you play for us, I will nd Among the items taken from a space,” the crew member commercial ights are co ee reportedly told him. According cups, silverware, blankets to US media outlets, the ight and even lifejackets. Media attendant announced to the outlet Ski has observed that cabin that there would be a passengers were stealing things “small concert” on board in like pillows and blankets from exchange for some passengers rst class, with United Airlines moving their belongings under deeming it necessary to send a their seats, in order to make memo to ight attendants last room for the musician’s violin. year, addressing the “confusion It was not con rmed about what products can be whether a space was indeed removed from a plane at the o ered up... end of the ight.” e 44 year old spent one partly blaming the 2001 US e memo asserted that Paying the price week at the Calgary Remand terror attacks on an excessive pillows and blankets were not Emergency landings Centre before being released focus on friendliness, local to be taken, continuing: “Even necessitated by disorderly on bail and has been barred media has reported. if only a small amount of these passengers cost airlines dearly from re-entry into Canada. e Central Industrial items is removed for each – an expense that they usually He pleaded guilty to resisting Security Force, in charge of ight, that can mean millions have to absorb. However, one arrest and not adhering to aviation safety, will move of dollars over the course of a British man’s drunken antics safety instructions given by from a “broad smile system” y e ar.” in-flight have cost him more the cabin crew, apologising for to a “su cient smile system”, Many less tempting items than US$30,000 after his his behaviour. What’s more, he the Indian Express said in a go AWOL from aircra , too. carrier moved to sue him for has also been ordered to pay front page report. e move Airsickness bags, knives, forks, some of the costs incurred. US$30,521.10 to the airline to was aimed at making the CISF spoons, glassware, and salt and After consuming around cover the cost of the lost fuel. “more vigilant than friendly”, pepper shakers have also been six drinks while waiting to WestJet’s total bill for the the newspaper said. known to do a disappearing board his flight from Calgary incident including fuel and “We cannot be over-friendly act, while stranger snatchings to London, David Young compensation to passengers with the passengers because have included warning signs failed to comply with safety could well exceed US$200,000, one of the reasons cited as (such as “Life vest under seat”) protocol during take-off, and it has been reported. e to why 9/11 happened… and tray tables. in his inebriated state, became airline is yet to decide if it will was excessive reliance on Yes, tray tables... ghi aggressive towards a fellow pursue a civil claim against passenger-friendly features,” passenger and cabin crew. Young to recover the rest of the CISF Director General Rajesh As a result, the Captain was costs. Ranjan was quoted as saying. Have you an unusual story forced to turn back just one to tell? We want to hear it. hour into the journey – and No funny business Air-cra iness Please send your humorous to dump fuel to ensure the Armed police at Indian It seems that light- ngered aviation anecdotes to: aircraft was light enough to airports have been told to cut passengers will take anything [email protected] land so soon after take-off. down on smiling, with o cials that is not bolted down inside

66 February 2020 Ground Handling International

Keeping planes in the air starts with better communication on the ground.

Contact David Clark for rugged, reliable wireless communication system solutions to enhance the safety and efﬁ ciency of your ground support operations. Call 800-298-6235 (508-751-5800 Outside the USA) for a system demonstraton or visit www.davidclark.com for more information.