Ground support equipment (GSE) plays an important part in keeping the ground services running efficiently. Strategic investments can help improve the performance and sustainable practices for your ground support as technology evolves. Below are four important upgrades you can start right away to ensure increased ground support. These include switching to electric GSE (ground support equipment), implementing an Aircraft Damage Prevention System (ADPS), upgrading electric and hydraulic systems, and lastly, employing user-friendly features in your ground support equipment.Â
1. Getting an Aircraft Damage Prevention System (ADPS) Installed
One of the best things you can add to your ground support is an aircraft damage prevention system (ADPS). This system is intended to minimize the likelihood that an aircraft will be damaged as a result of ground handling. It has a unique safety feature of lowering platforms automatically when passenger stairs are docked to prevent damage. The automation reduces the need for continuous ground crew monitoring, making it a safer and more efficient operation. Adding ADPS gives an additional layer of protection to your ground support equipment — protecting it against accidental damage that, in many cases, would be a costly repair. This upgrade also introduces all levels of efficiency to further increase operational safety and make sure that no matter how busy ground support gets, you always have a backup.Â
2. Incorporating Electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) in place of Regular GSE’s
If it fits within the scope of your airport, switching to eGSE (electric ground support equipment) is a great way to help get your operation tech-enabled while becoming more eco-friendly. Ground operations are a strength of electric GSE thanks to all that low-end torque which makes it great for start/stop applications. Therefore, converting old GSEs to electricity severely cut down on fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, there are fewer emissions on electric vehicles and this contributes towards your business being a lot more eco-friendly, too. This not only helps in keeping the environment clean but also stands at par with an industry that is increasingly tilting towards operational sustainability. Including eGSE in your product arsenal positions you as a high-tech and eco-friendly solution to ground support operations, which makes the entire business more efficient while creating significant environmental impacts.
3. Implementing User-Friendly Features to Decrease Workload
If your ground support equipment is fitted with user-friendly technology, then operations will become easy, thus increasing efficiency and safety. Upgrading to better and easier-to-learn features for your ground equipment lets the ground crew work on it more easily so that they need not receive intensive training. The advances made in recent years have given rise to things like modern electric tugs that come with easy-to-use controls while at the same time minimizing accidents and subsequently increasing safety during ground operations. In addition, operator-friendly options can help speed up and streamline the way aircraft are handled on an airfield – in turn speeding turnaround times of aircraft operations (and also increasing overall productivity). By concentrating on simplicity as well as ease of use, you make a safer workplace for your ground crew and a more efficient operation.
4. Upgrading the Hydraulic and Electrical Systems for More Efficiency
Reliable and efficient operations of hydraulic systems or electrical systems in your Ground Support Equipment are also a necessity. For instance, having a ground power unit is crucial to providing the necessary electrical power to your aircraft while it’s on the ground. Older units can be problem-permeated, and maintenance costs add up quickly, which will eventually take a toll on your GSE operation. The efficiency of your equipment can be improved once you replace obsolescent components with fresh alternatives, guaranteeing that it meets the requirements for the current operation. New hydraulic/electric systems are also more efficient while consuming less power and costing less to maintain. It will make your on-ground operations not only to be trusted but efficient. It basically extends equipment lifespan, makes it so you have to replace them less (saving money in doing just that), and eliminates a potential headache from your supply chain by cutting costs for continuous replacements.
Conclusion
Custom upgrades to your GSE will create a safer work environment, increase efficiency, and will lower emissions. You can lower your repair costs by adding an Aircraft Damage Prevention System, upgrading your electric or hydraulic systems—eventually extending the life of all equipment—and adding user-friendly features to make ground support operations more reliable. When updated, you will not only cut down expenses in operations and reduce carbon emissions but also create a better working environment for the people you hire. Implementing these changes before they are needed keeps your ground support operations relevant to the current demands of aviation.
