As I’ve been touring the country speaking to various ground equipment sales managers, I’m hearing some very good news about equipment sales. The equipment these companies sell run the gamut of GSE on the airport – from tractors, tow bars, belt loaders, deicing trucks, lavatory service equipment and everything in between. Managers I’ve spoken with have universally reported sales figures that are the rosiest in a long time. After years of slow sales, the anecdotal reports I’m hearing from across the industry are that sales in the last year have picked up significantly. Not surprisingly, fuel efficient and battery-powered equipment are dominating the sales.
These reports are heartening on many levels. It means that the economic situation on the airports has improved to the point that new investments in equipment can be made – and this is good from a safety, efficiency and environmental perspective. Equipment breakdowns interfere with the efficient ground handling operations, as you know, and of course, can also cause safety problems. Environmentally, fuel efficient and battery-operated equipment will help reduce emissions at airports.
While these reports come from a number of suppliers in different parts of the country, I’d be interested in knowing whether anyone is having a different experience.
