Types of Airport Electric Ground Support Equipment & How They Can Benefit You

As the airline industry continues to attempt to reduce costs, more and more airports and MRO facilities are re-examining the efficiency of their ground service equipment. Roughly 100,000 flights take off across the globe daily, so it's no surprise that more airlines are opting to make a partial or total transition to electric GSE to reduce their environmental footprint and overall costs. Through electric GSE, airports have revolutionized ground operations by providing ground crews with cleaner and more energy-efficient technology. Throughout this article, we'll share some of the most popular types of electric ground support equipment found at airports throughout the U.S., as well as some of the benefits you can expect from incorporating cleaner technology into your operations.

Electric GSE (Ground Support Equipment): Built for the Job

Upgrading a fleet of support equipment is a promising investment for airlines worldwide who can benefit from the shift to electric power, rather than expensive fuel sources. Integrating electric airport GSE into fleets is more beneficial. It makes sense for many airline companies, especially when considering how this type of technology can thrive in an airport environment. The need for low-end torque in towing and taxiing, frequent starts and stops when driving from gate to gate, extensive idle time and the short drive range from job to job are all more suited for electric ground support equipment than diesel. Electric ground support equipment is especially efficient for these tasks, making the switch from traditional to electric a relatively simple process for ground crews. In addition, standard ground support equipment and electric GSE are similar in operation – one uses battery power rather than diesel fuel. With electric chargers that can be safely located throughout an airport (unlike diesel refuel stations), electric ground support equipment makes ground crews' lives easier, reduces GSE traffic and saves on costs.

Different Types of Airport Equipment & Ground Vehicles

Electric Tow Tractors: Tow tractors (also called tugs) are powerful pieces of airport ground support equipment used to tow and taxi aircraft to and from the runway. There are various sizes of tugs that are more suited to specific aircraft. These pieces of electric support equipment come in towbarless or towbar models and can tow anywhere between 95,000 to 113,000 lbs. depending on the model and type.
Electric Cargo Tugs: Cargo tugs are an integral part of the airline operation. These airport ground vehicles are used to move pieces of equipment that ground crews cannot move themselves and goods with a high value or commercially critical delivery time.
Electric Lavatory Trucks: Lavatory trucks are airport ground vehicles used to empty and refill lavatories located on the aircraft. Using manual or electric power, lavatory trucks remove the waste from the flight and refill tanks with a water and disinfectant combination.
Electric Potable Water Trucks: Potable water trucks are another type of airport ground vehicle that provides an efficient method for ground crews to transport safe, drinkable water to aircraft. Potable water pumps feature an electric pump used to move the water to the aircraft.
Electric Container Loaders: On any typical day, ground crews have to load and unload cargo quickly and efficiently to adhere to airlines' rigorous schedules. Container loaders feature a raising platform and a descending platform to aid in this task. Wheels underneath the cargo then move the containers in and out of the aircraft.
Electric Belt Loaders: Belt loaders are used for loading and unloading baggage and other important cargo items not stowed in containers. They feature conveyor belts that crews will position at the door of an aircraft's baggage compartment for operation.

The Benefits of Electric Ground Support Equipment

Different types of airport GSE each bring their own distinct advantages to airports. But as a whole, electric ground support equipment benefits ground crews and management every day through year-round operations. Ground service equipment that still runs on traditional fuel is among the worst offenders for carbon emissions and pollutants. When you upgrade your fleet of support equipment to electric, you're effectively reducing your carbon footprint by essentially eliminating GSE emissions altogether. But that's not the only benefit electric GSE can provide to your airport through its lithium or lead-acid batteries.

Health Benefits for Ground Crews

Carbon emissions and pollutants affect more than the environment. Ground crews work closely with support equipment emissions around the clock, leaving them to breathe in harmful carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide daily. With the lithium or lead-acid batteries of electric ground support equipment, your crew will be able to work in a much safer environment that won't lead to future health risks.

Lower Maintenance Costs

The cost of maintaining electric GSE is relatively small when compared to traditional ground service equipment. For example, standard airport ground vehicles will require new oil, antifreeze, engine parts, fuel filters and monthly inspections of related components. It's a significant burden to put on an aircrew which eats into their time and increases costs for airlines. Electric ground support equipment eliminates the upkeep needed for GSE and replaces them with standard charging technology to keep them fully functional.

Reduced Noise Pollution

Within an airport, GSE will require idling time for engines. For standard ground service equipment, this idling is a significant source of noise pollution. Electric GSE engines run at near-whisper volume, eliminating noise pollution from airfields, hangars and gate areas. Less noise means you'll have a safer, healthier working environment for ground crews and a less intrusive atmosphere for surrounding communities.

Longer Lasting GSE

Electronic ground support equipment has fewer moving parts, meaning it'll last longer for your daily operations. While upfront electric GSE costs may be higher than traditional ground service equipment, the cost-effectiveness of longer-lasting equipment makes for a smart investment in the long run.

Shop Electric Ground Support Equipment at Tronair

Going electric is worth the investment, and Tronair is here to help you make the switch every step of the way. Our line of electric tugs, airport ground vehicles and servicing equipment has the power and efficiency you need to get the job done right – and stay environmentally friendly while doing it. Have a question or need some more information about our products? Reach out to our authorized customer service center now and find out why Tronair is the most trusted name in ground support equipment.

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