Denver, CO/Greenville, SC – September 4, 2024 – TractEasy is thrilled to announce the start of an EZTow autonomous tow tractor demonstration at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP).
The EZTow is now actively involved in the loading and unloading of cargo aircraft, demonstrating its capabilities in a busy airport environment.
The driverless vehicle, manufactured by TLD and powered by EasyMile technology, operates on a one-mile route in mixed traffic, efficiently transporting cargo to a staging area. It will also operate on the passenger terminal ramp for Piedmont Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines, to assist in the baggage handling process.
Baggage is picked up from the arriving planes at the gates and autonomously transported to the baggage claim carousel. This deployment underscores GSP’s commitment to exploring advanced technologies that streamline airport operations and improve efficiency.
“At GSP we are always looking for cutting-edge technology that makes the airport experience more safe, efficient, sustainable and affordable. We think the future for automated vehicles in the airport environment is very bright and we look forward to reviewing the results of this demonstration project to determine if the vehicle has applications for GSP,” said Dave Edwards, president and CEO for the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District.
“At Piedmont, we continue to look for new and innovative ways to drive value for American Airlines. We secure our success by embracing solutions that further improve our safe, reliable, and efficient ground operations,” said Brian Wemple, director planning and support at Piedmont Airlines.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with TractEasy and the GSP airport to build on our established success with electric GSE solutions and understand the benefits of this emerging technology available on the EZTow product,” said Wemple added.
TractEasy’s EZTow has already proven its effectiveness in other major airports worldwide. At Changi Airport in Singapore, the EZTow functions in a fleet for seamless baggage transport. Similarly, Japan Airlines has enhanced operations at Narita International Airport in Japan with the integration of EZTow units.
“Deploying EZTow at GSP allows us to showcase the extensive knowledge and experience we’ve gained from global operations,” said Richard Reno, CEO of TractEasy. “We are excited to demonstrate how our technology can make a tangible difference in airport efficiency and safety.”
The EZTow’s deployment at GSP is more than just a technological advancement; it signifies a strategic move towards a future where autonomous solutions are integral to airport operations. This initiative not only highlights the potential for improved operational workflows but also positions GSP at the forefront of the next generation of airport logistics.
