The theme of this edition of Airside International is technology. Specifically, how technology is evolving to meet the needs of operators.
With the aviation industry eagerly awaiting the rollout of autonomous GSE, Airside interviews the stakeholders hoping to drive change in ground handling operations. From the GSE manufacturers and ground service providers to the airports and airlines, we delve into this exciting new development.
Autonomous vehicles are poised to revolutionise aviation – but their scope is not limited to driverless baggage tractors or pushback tugs. As winter approaches, we discover how airports can transform their snow clearance operations with the help of one company’s four-part plan to automate snow machines by digitalising the airport environment.
Airside also reports on the latest industry solutions for baggage tractors, passenger boarding and lifts and loaders. While the GSE electrification drive shows no signs of buckling, OEMs are tailoring their market offerings to operators’ shifting needs – and this includes delivering IT solutions.
Autonomous GSE may prove to be some years off, but the onboard technologies that are enhancing safety and efficiency on the ramp are here today. Tools including artificial intelligence and telemetry are enabling ground handlers to keep up to date with their operations in real time, as well as supporting data collection for operational necessities such as evaluating the total cost of ownership of equipment and maintenance requirements. We exclusively interview two ground handlers on just this.
One important question the adoption of autonomous GSE raises is over the future of ground handling workforces. Will autonomous vehicles replace humans? Contributors to this issue of Airside think not – but these vehicles may just be the solution to the industry’s global labour shortage.
We also bring you the latest market developments – this time delving into South America. With air travel demand increasing, Airside reports on the urgent need for airport development in that region as well as the ever more pressing sustainability agenda there.
