Efficiency Gains in Ground Handling
The latest product developments and service innovations at Goldhofer Airport Technology all have a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability. In support of its mission to become a full solutions provider in the field of GSE (ground support equipment), the company now offers electric versions of its tried-and-tested cargo/baggage and aircraft tow tractors. In addition, more and more airport operators and ground handling providers are taking advantage of the comprehensive service and consulting offering available from the globally operating GSE provider. They benefit from accelerated product development cycles and flexible services, including online training, support with augmented reality technology and remote maintenance. In addition to the economic advantages, this also means additional safety for employees in times of the coronavirus.
The corona pandemic has increased the pressures on the air travel industry worldwide to find more efficient, sustainable and, above all, safe handling solutions. In addition to growing demand for electrically powered vehicles and product-related services – such as maintenance and repairs – Goldhofer has also seen an increase in interest in consulting services relating to infrastructure and equipment. “We are clearly focused on efficiency gains. This means employing fewer resources than in the past while handling all processes at the same or a higher level,” says Rüdiger Dube, Head of Strategic Product Management Airport Technology at Goldhofer. “The decisive factor here is a 360-degree view of all aspects and requirements in everyday GSE operations. Viewing individual processes in isolation is not the solution.”
The industry is also showing additional interest in Goldhofer’s new online training and remote maintenance services for reduced travel expenses, faster response times and lower costs. Rüdiger Dube: “We developed these new services before Covid-19 in order to achieve a general reduction in service costs and downtimes for our tow tractors. Now, of course, with the challenges to the air travel industry posed by the coronavirus, demand for these services is buoyant – as they greatly reduce the points of contact between employees.”
Online training sessions for savings in travel costs
In addition to the on-site training courses, Goldhofer Airport Technology’s customers can now also acquire know-how and skills online. Structured as one-hour modules, the online sessions not only reduce travel costs and avoid passive travel time, but also tie up less capacity for the customer. The result is a training scheme that is both highly flexible and very cost-effective. Rüdiger Dube: “The strong visual element is ideal for presenting complex content, and the digital online medium gives participants the feeling of being right at the heart of the action.” The modular training program is structured in ten units: operation, emergency operation, components, pick-up, vehicle systems (steering, brakes, drive), maintenance, hydraulics 1 (steering, pick-up), hydraulics 2 (drive, brakes), plus electrics and diagnostics. A test module is also provided to prepare participants for working online. It serves to explain the rules of communication and ensure the functionality of the software and hardware.
Augmented reality glasses and remote access for shorter downtimes
Further cost savings are achieved with the help of augmented reality technology for the new online services provided at Goldhofer and/or on the customer’s own premises as well as remote access to Goldhofer’s tow tractors. This again enables ground handlers to minimize time-consuming and cost-intensive travel. It also means shorter response times for rapid troubleshooting.
What you see is what you need
The augmented reality glasses used for Goldhofer’s online services are the first tablet on the market offering head-mounted display. They are operated via voice control and head movements. This leaves users’ hands free so that they can work completely unhindered. The device, which runs on the Android 6.0 operating system, has been designed for use in harsh and noisy environments. It supports multiple languages and can be worn in combination with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses and hearing protectors. For technical support, the customer simply puts on the augmented reality glasses to obtain an immediate interactive link to an expert at Goldhofer. The built-in camera shows what the wearer is doing at any given moment, and two-way voice communication is supported. It is also possible to move around with the help of augmented reality, e.g. with items marked with arrows for easier identification. This makes the augmented reality glasses an ideal tool in support of on-site troubleshooting and service partners, for technical support (e.g. video instructions for modifications), for acceptance testing of new vehicles, and personnel instruction and training.
Remote monitoring and control
Various connection options are available for unlimited remote access to the display and controls of a Goldhofer tow tractor. If the vehicle is in the workshop, data can easily be transmitted in both directions via a wireless network. Where no WLAN is available, however, a permanently installed modem provides communication via the mobile data network. A cell phone can also be used to set up a hotspot, or a laptop with the appropriate software and connection cable.
For ground handlers, this opens up a range of new applications, from the evaluation of statistical data and access to the aircraft logbook to data recording in the event of an accident. It also offers a simple solution for the transfer and installation of software updates, which can be regularly imported via remote access. Moreover, additional functionalities can be implemented by activating the relevant software parameters, e.g. automatic light up when starting. Software modifications required for increases to the fleet to cater for new types of aircraft are also easily implemented. Should a customer be unable to solve a problem on site, an in-house or Goldhofer specialist can simply connect online via remote access and so restore vehicle availability in no time at all. With the integration of telemetry and AI-based analytics, the evaluation and planning functions can be additionally extended (predictive maintenance).
An eye on everything
The refocusing of Airport Technology as a full solutions provider has met with a positive response from ground handlers and airport operators worldwide. Rüdiger Dube: “Our customers appreciate the 360-degree view we employ to examine and develop solutions for ground handling. We provide a transparent overview of the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s entire useful life. The follow-up aspects of the purchase must also be considered in any assessment of overall efficiency. This is the key to reliable planning security. Our training and service offerings also play a significant role. Today, many of our training programs are available online. This not only saves time and money but also ensures the availability of all training units despite strict corona regulations.“
“The coronavirus is impacting the entire air travel industry, with capacity utilization at rock bottom everywhere. Many airports and ground handling providers, however, are making productive use of the situation to refocus in a process analysis phase. Some have already taken the first steps in process optimization or are investing in new technologies. Our electrically powered workhorse – the »PHOENIX« AST-2E towbarless tow tractor – recently went into service in tough day-to-day working at Munich airport, while our electric »BISON« E 620 is currently undergoing trials at Vienna International Airport,” says Rüdiger Dube.
