IATA initiative promotes enhanced GSE

IATA has recognized ground handlers Hactl and Menzies Aviation for their use of enhanced ground support equipment. [caption id="attachment_57143326" align="alignright" width="300"] IATA recognizes Hactl for its implementation of enhanced GSE, which heightens safety and reduces pollution. (Courtesy/IATA)[/caption] Through the Enhanced GSE Recognition Program, launched this month, IATA aims to accelerate introduction of enhanced ground support equipment (GSE) technologies into daily operations, according to a release this month. Enhanced GSE promotes safety and sustainability. “The Enhanced GSE Recognition Program is another pillar of IATA’s efforts to reduce ground damage by transitioning to enhanced GSE fleets,” Monika Mejstrikova , IATA director of ground operations, said in the release. “The transition has been slow, despite well-documented gains in safety, cost reduction and sustainability. By recognizing those companies leading the evolution, we aim to accelerate this critical industry transition.” Safety, sustainability Enhanced GSE uses anti-collision and inching technology, thereby improving vehicle control, increasing docking accuracy, and preventing costly and dangerous accidents, according to IATA. IATA estimates that the annual cost of ground damage could double to nearly $10 billion by 2035 without preventive action such as transitioning to enhanced GSE, according to a December 2022 study. The study, “IATA Ground Damage Report: The Case for Enhanced Ground Support Equipment,” reported that most aircraft ground damage results from motorized GSE striking aircrafts’ fuselage. The report also stated that: The widebody ground damage rate is 10 times higher than that of narrowbody aircraft; Regional jets, turboprops and narrowbodies are 30% more likely than widebodies to suffer “severe” ground damage; and Belt lo aders, cargo loaders, passenger stairs and passenger boarding bridges cause 40% of total incidents. Transitioning GSE to enhanced GSE would reduce the expected ground damage cost per turn rate by 42%, the report stated. “Transitioning to enhanced GSE with anti-collision technology is a no-brainer,” Nick Careen , IATA senior vice president of operations, safety and security, said in the report. “We have proven technology that can improve safety. And with the cost of ground damage growing across the industry, there is a clear business case supporting early adoption. The challenge now is to put together a road map so that all stakeholders are aligned on a transition plan.” Additionally, most enhanced GSE is electric , which reduces emissions. “While the main focus of aviation’s decarbonization efforts is on how we power aircraft, what happens on the ground cannot be ignored,” Careen said. Leading the way Hactl began installing anti-collision equipment in its GSE fleet in 2017, according to a release this month from Hactl. The collision avoidance system triggers an audio-visual alert to operators when the GSE gets too close to an aircraft. [caption id="attachment_57143327" align="alignright" width="300"] IATA recognizes Menzies Aviation for its use of enhanced GSE in the United States, Europe and Africa. (Courtesy/IATA)[/caption] “We are proud to be the first ground handler in Asia to achieve this distinction and applaud IATA’s constant efforts in once again driving the adoption of best practice across the entire global aviation industry,” Hactl Executive Director of Operations Paul Cheng said in the release from Hactl. Menzies Aviation stated in a LinkedIn post that it has rolled out enhanced GSE at: South Africa’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR); Sweden’s Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT); United Kingdom’s Manchester Airport (MAN); and United States’ Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD). IATA will continue to assess ground handlers’ fleets to determine if they are eligible for the two-year recognition stamp. IATA is deploying the program in phases. The first phase focuses on the three types of GSE most associated with ground damage incidents: Belt loaders; Cargo loaders; and Passenger stairs. Over time, the program is expected to expand to include lifting and elevating GSE that docks at aircraft doors and GSE that couples to aircraft, according to IATA. Register here for Air Cargo Next ’s upcoming webinar, “Air Cargo and Pharma: Using Technology to Save Lives,” on Tuesday, June 18, at 11 a.m. ET. Air Cargo Next has launched a business directory listing cargo carriers, service providers and technology companies. Each category has sub-categories, allowing users to find the right business to meet their needs. Users can also add their businesses to the directory and claim existing entries. Visit the Air Cargo Next Directory.

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