ADB Airfield Solutions and other exhibitors have sucessful Inter Airport 2011

ADB Airfield Solutions, one of the global market leaders in Airfield Ground Lights (AGL), certainly made an impact with its exhibition stand of LED innovations and associated products and systems.

New products, such as the EREL/ERES High Intensity LED Runway Edge fittings or the Airfield Sensor, drew a lot of interest. Live demos of the AGLAS (Individual Lamp Control and Monitoring System) and APS (Advanced Power Supply) systems were regularly requested. The new AD range of LED inset lights for taxiway and for high intensity runway applications incorporated in the demonstration of the AGLAS system had visitors commenting on the neat design and the extremely good light output.

Visitors interested in reducing CO2 emissions noted ADB’s Solar Range, a partnership with Carmanah. The Solar Aviation Wireless LED (SAWL) and the Solar Runway Guard Light System were both on show.

A surprise to many visitors was the world standard FMT Docking Guidance display, thanks to a recent cooperation agreement with FMT, a technological leader in VDGS (visual docking guidance system).

President & CEO Christian Onselaere noted: “These new products, already in use at several locations, are the result of ADB’s long-standing experience with LED technology and an installed base of more than 350,000 LED lights worldwide. ADB will continue to serve its customers with high-quality products, systems and solutions, supported by the highest levels of customer service.”

Other exhibitors included GSE manufacturer Schopf which has launched an electric version of its F110 tractor to replace diesel-powered equivalents. According to the company a cost-analysis of operations at 10 European airports showed the new vehicle not only reduces the CO2 footprint of airlines and handlers but also produces a cost saving of between 20 and 60 percent.

Lufthansa LEOS showed off its highlifter Sidecat that has been tested and certified with the A380. The company says the unit represents a simple yet convincing technical solution for aircraft ground handling including transporting passengers with reduced mobility. 

AXA, a leading supplier of GPUs launched its PCA 210 for widebodied aircraft including the A380. The company has anticipated controversial forthcoming EU emissions legislation with a range of equipment designed to cut CO2 and suggests airlines turn off their integrated auxiliary power units in favour of a ground 400Hz electrical unit. Savings of Euro 100,000 per year for a single-aisle aircraft are claimed.

Heavy equipment manufacturer Zaug was a dominant feature of Inter-Airport’s static park with displays of its range of 14 snow sweepers. The ploughs can be attached to single-axle vehicles, all types of tractors, AWD vehicles, forklifts, Unimogs and wheeled loaders says the company.

Padua, Italy-based Alkè showed off its new range of XT off-road electric vehicles both in two-wheel and AWD. The new series has two different wheelbases with cargo floors up to 270 cms. for a maximum load of 1.000 kg and a tow capability of 4.000 kgs.  Top speed is a reported 60 km/h with a range of 200 km using an optional on- board double battery package. The XT vehicles have been designed with a GPRS system for remote diagnosis for motor, batteries, battery charger, controller, electrical system and auxiliary devices.

Safegate demonstrated its airport handling technology and subsequently announced it had won a contract with American Airlines for a docking guidance system at Chicago O’Hare. With the new installation, American Airlines now has a total of 181 mainline gates utilizing the automated docking system. The system is managed from the airline’s headquarters providing a centralised view of all major hub operations. “Not only has American Airlines become our largest U.S. customer, they have become an important strategic partner by driving innovation to better serve the needs of US airlines and airports,” said company president Tom Duffy.

Fresia, based in Turin, Italy, also featured largely in the static display with a variety of snow blowers, tugs and tractors. A new towing tractor for the A380, the SP 300 60/70, is now available from the company as is a new runway snow sweeper – the F2000 4x4 light as well as the Snow Blower F90Sti with a new cab that provides the operator with greater comfort, insulation and wider visibility.

Other exhibitors included Alfons Haar and its range of precision pumps for refuelling vehicles, helicopters and jet aircraft; Weyer and its airport supply catalogue; Belgian company Atcomex that produces bulk trailers, aircraft refuellers and containers; Melex and its wide range of lightweight electric-powered trucks and vans as well as golf carts for inter-terminal use; Amerace which manufacturers electrical components for airfield lighting; Grun that specialises in road marking technology; Taxibot for pilot-controlled dispatch towing with engines stopped to produce “significant” reductions in CO2 emissions; Mulag for innovative GSE technology including tractors, pallet transporters and conveyor belts; Turkish company Timsan that produces a wide range of GSE equipment including passenger stairs, mobile scissor equipment,  ULD dollies and the EAV 400 mobile elevator for wheelchair-bound passengers; Brotherton Esseco based in Wakefield, Britain manufacturing runway and taxiway de-icing equipment; Douglas Equipment in Cheltenham, UK and the makers of a range of towbarless tractors capable of handling anything from an Embraer 170 to an Airbus A380; Eagle and its range of passenger and freight electric vehicles; Schmidt which manufacturers a range of seriously large snow cutting and clearing equipment and Mann Tek fuel-flow products from Sweden.

Finally, a whole range of companies exhibited under the auspices of BASEA – the British Airports Services & Equipment Association. They included Fluid Transfer International, which designs and builds refuelling equipment;  Jewers Doors – which has recently installed a 584 metre-wide hanger door in Dubai; BDP Solutions, a subsidiary of a U.S. logistics company producing cargo handling equipment; Houchin Aerospace for GPUs; baggage handling from Herbert Systems; GSE equipment provider Mallaghan Engineering;  battery and generator-powered airfield lighting from Metalite Aviation as well as signage from Airfield Lighting Systems;  ground support and specialist access solutions provider T.B. Davies; materials handling equipment for the logistics industry from manufacturer Transact Engineering; and specialist treatment for runway surfaces by ASI Solutions