Sustainability – Part of Goldhofer’s Corporate Philosophy

Goldhofer’s Airport Technology segment is fully focused on e-mobility and digital solutions.

The highest standards of quality and innovative technology combined with reliability and maximum customer proximity – this is what has made Goldhofer what it is today: a global technology leader for intelligent solutions in the field of ground support equipment. The company, which was first listed as a forge in a document dated 1705, has been developing modern cargo and pushback tow tractors with consistently innovative technology for 40 years now.

A company with such a long history has plenty of experience in the field of sustainability – with regard not only to products and processes but also to its own corporate strategy.

“Basically, the term ‘sustainability’ is what has guided Goldhofer from the very beginning. Customer orientation and innovation, i.e. responsibility, conscientiousness and foresight – this attitude is a cornerstone of the Goldhofer philosophy. It is in our DNA and characterizes not only all Goldhofer products and services but also our entire entrepreneurial mindset and behavior, and all our dealings with customers,” says Lothar Holder, member of the board at Goldhofer AG and head of Airport Technology. In line with this commitment, the company is continuously striving to ensure that all its activities are in compliance with these values. This has an impact on products and services, and on Goldhofer’s overall role in the economy, the environment and society.

Product and Service Quality

One explanation of Goldhofer’s ongoing success story is a winning combination of robust quality products and user-oriented advisory support and services. Vehicles not only incorporate top-quality components and workmanship; they are also a product of modular design for maximum flexibility in meeting individual customer requirements.

Moving Forward with Innovation

Continuous research and the further development of existing solutions, plus innovation leadership in vehicle engineering and technology are the decisive factors that enable Goldhofer’s Airport Technology segment to identify competitive advantages for customers and deliver economical and sustainable solutions in support of their greater profitability.

“Emission-free airports are the trend worldwide. So it is our task to develop solutions that are both ecologically and economically sound. Our claim is ‘Making good things even better with a finger on the pulse of the times’,” says Holder. So it is not surprising that Goldhofer’s new emission-free GSE products are not only sustainable in terms of maximum reliability and longer service life but also with regard to the technology they are based on.

Zero-emission Ground Handling

Goldhofer has now completely achieved its goal of having all-electric versions of all their cargo tractors SHERPA as well as conventional tractors BISON and towbarless tractor PHOENIX with the same high levels of performance, availability and service life. With the PHOENIX E, the company’s top-selling towbarless aircraft tractor is now also on the market in a battery-powered version. With its impressive power density and fast opportunity charging, it provides the same performance as the diesel version and is superior in terms of emissions.

Economical Long-life Battery Systems

All battery-powered tractors from Goldhofer feature the company’s unique IonMaster technology – for a combination of extremely high power density and minimum maintenance. The highly efficient 400 V and 700 V lithium-ion batteries and an active thermal management system (TMS) deliver extremely short charging times and maximum battery life. The Goldhofer tractors also support rapid opportunity charging during short breaks in operations. The technology, with a proven track rec-ord in the commercial vehicle sector, meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Most importantly, Goldhofer’s electric tractors produce zero carbon emissions compared with the diesel-powered versions.

Flexible Charging Infrastructure

Different charging infrastructures are supported in order to charge the tractors as flexible as possible: AC/DC charging stations, AC on-board chargers, intermediate or intelligent AC/DC wall boxes.

This ensures highly efficient vehicle operation on a customized basis taking local conditions and specifications into account. With the tractor fleet always ready to go, it can be reduced to a minimum. Additional flexibility in terms of charging infrastructure is available with the optional on-board charger, which supports charging at any power socket. Depending on the version, they can adjust charging speed and capacity according to the number of vehicles connected and their charging status.