GSE Industry Leaders – Deep dive into aviation and GSE as a whole
We sat down with some of the leaders of the GSE Industry and asked them some deep diving questions about the Aviation and GSE Industry as a whole. Here is what we found out:
How has the aviation industry changed over the last few decades, and what impact has this has on the demand for ground support equipment?
Respondent 1: More ground handling is now being done by outsourced partners rather than the legacy airlines themselves. We might be seeing this shift and moving back to the airlines, but that is in it’s infancy and only time will tell.
Respondent 2: The need for safer GSE is forefront today, the less strain there is on the ramp agents is important. We need to ensure the right tools are in place to protect the handlers who are already in a strenuous position in their roles.
Respondent 3: The aviation industry has undergone significant changes in recent decades, impacting the demand for ground support equipment (GSE). Technological advancements, increased air travel, sustainability concerns, safety regulations, and the need for customization and efficiency have all played a role. As aircraft systems become more advanced, the demand for GSE that can support and service them has increased. The growing volume of passengers and cargo necessitates reliable and efficient GSE. Environmental sustainability has driven the demand for eco-friendly equipment. Stringent safety and security regulations have influenced the need for specialized GSE. Customization and efficiency have become key factors. In response, manufacturers are developing innovative and tailored solutions to meet these evolving industry requirements.
What are some of the more important considerations when designing and manufacturing ground service equipment for airports and airlines?
Respondent 1: When it comes to considering design and manufacturing of ground service equipment, priorities lie with safety first. If it’s not safe, it doesn’t matter how effective it is. Next is quality. The aviation industry is tough as nails and our equipment needs to be just as tough or more so. Lastly is ease of operation. We are all busy on the ground and things need to be quick and easy, and our equipment needs to be just as easy to use. We don’t have time to mess around with anything overly complicated.
Respondent 2: When it comes to ground support equipment it needs to be lightweight but strong, the ramp is a very harsh environment and needs to withstand a beating, yet still look new. The last thing you want is your equipment to be and look broken down, it needs to function top-notch and be of good quality.
Respondent 3: When designing and manufacturing ground service equipment (GSE) for airports and airlines, several important considerations come into play. First and foremost is safety. GSE must meet stringent safety standards to ensure the well-being of both operators and aircraft. Reliability is another crucial factor. GSE should be built to withstand the demanding operational conditions of airports and provide consistent performance.
Efficiency is also key, as airlines and airports strive to minimize turnaround times and optimize operations. Customizability is essential, as each airport and airline may have unique requirements and operational constraints. Environmental sustainability is increasingly significant, driving the demand for eco-friendly GSE that reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact. Lastly, the ease of use and maintenance of GSE should be considered to enhance operational productivity and reduce downtime. By addressing these considerations, manufacturers can deliver GSE that meets the specific needs of airports and airlines while enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Can you describe some of the most common challenges that ground support equipment operators face, and how custom-built solutions can help address those challenges?
Respondent 1: Some of the most common challenges that ground support equipment operators face is training and product knowledge. Custom-built solutions allow the equipment to be better suited to the situation and allow for the operators the time and ability to learn about the equipment to better operate it to spec. They also have the ability to be more aware of all of the intricacies that the product might have, making it better suited and specified for the job at hand.
Respondent 2: The ramp agents, while safety is paramount, are also on sever time constraints which makes them rush, this is the main reason that damage happens and the need for tough, but strong equipment is a must. It can be very challenging, but working with top-tier manufacturers helps the ground crews get their work done safely and efficiently.
Respondent 3: GSE operators face challenges like aircraft diversity, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and unique operational needs. Custom-built solutions address these challenges with flexibility, automation, safety features, eco-friendly technologies, and tailored designs.
What role do emerging technologies (e.g. automation, AI, etc.) play in the design and development of ground service equipment, and how do you see that evolving in the coming years?
Respondent 1: Remote tracking, similar to Apple Air Tags, but a more expanding initiative where it can remote track not only where something is, but also where it has been. This could also give more opportunity to enable and disable different components remotely.
Respondent 2: AI is becoming very prevalent in the industry, in all industries in fact; we need to understand the needs of the customers and adapt our equipment to suit. With the industry ever-changing, it is a challenge, but one Wilcox GSE is able to meet through research and continued innovation.
Respondent 3: Emerging technologies such as automation and AI are revolutionizing the design and development of ground service equipment. They enhance operational efficiency, reduce manual labor, improve safety, and enable predictive maintenance. In the coming years, we anticipate even greater integration of these technologies, leading to more autonomous and intelligent GSE. This will result in increased productivity, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and further optimization of airport operations.
How do you ensure that ground service equipment is safe to operate and meets all necessary regulations and standards?
Respondent 1: In order to ensure all equipment is ready to use and is safe to operate, we begin with pre-use inspections, where everything is checked over to ensure compliance. When it comes to the overall standards and regulations, that comes from the manufactures side and they ensure everything is built to code.
Respondent 2: There are many guidelines out there, it is IATA that is the most followed, if we stick with the rules we will fit with every other guideline. Following the guidelines that are laid out, provided the manufacturer and the handler with direction on how to move forward when issues arise.
Respondent 3: Ensuring the safety and compliance of our ground service equipment is a top priority for us as an airline. We achieve this by carefully selecting reputable suppliers, conducting regular inspections and maintenance checks, providing comprehensive training for operators, and staying updated on regulations and best practices. We actively collaborate with regulatory authorities and encourage reporting of safety concerns to continuously improve our equipment’s safety.
What are some of the most innovative ground service equipment solutions that you’ve seen recently, and what sets them apart from more traditional designs?
Respondent 1: Not having been purchasing for the past couple years, nothing truly innovative is coming to mind. I do know that Wilcox GSE is at the leading edge of innovation and always coming up with new an exciting designs though.
Respondent 2: AI in baggage areas and cargo areas is growing rapidly and changing the way airports do business, it is amazing how fast this is being adopted. Lifting robots and lifting aids are significantly helping baggage employees when it comes to transferring baggage and lightening the work, quite literally. This is assisting and helping prevent work place injuries that can occur with heavy and continuous lifting in the baggage environment.
Respondent 3: Recently, we’ve seen some highly innovative ground service equipment solutions. One standout is the integration of automation and AI, which boosts efficiency and accuracy. Electric-powered equipment is also gaining traction, offering sustainability benefits. Advanced sensor technology and data analytics enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These solutions address industry challenges and prioritize efficiency and safety, setting new standards in the field.
Can you share some examples of custom-built ground service equipment that you’ve worked with in the past, and how those solutions were tailored to meet specific customer needs?
Respondent 1: I don’t currently have any examples of this.
Respondent 2: Being with WestJet for many years, the need for safer stairs and work platforms was needed, they used to work with there old stairs and set of wooden blocks to get into the aircraft, the solution was provided by Wilcox GSE and now the areas are very safe to work with.
Respondent 3: We’ve worked on various custom-built ground service equipment projects in the past. One notable example is a specialized baggage cart designed to accommodate oversized and irregularly shaped luggage for a specific airline. We customized the cart’s dimensions, load capacity, and storage compartments to suit their unique requirements. Another project involved creating a custom cargo dolly with adjustable configurations to accommodate different types of cargo containers. By tailoring our solutions, we ensure optimal functionality, efficiency, and safety, meeting the specific needs of our customers.
How do you balance the need for performance and efficiency with factors like cost and environmental sustainability when designing ground service equipment?
Respondent 1: Performance and efficiency out weigh the cost. You can always get more money for a better product, if you know what it is you are procuring. Superior products that are built tough and built to last are worth the extra investment as they are less likely to need repairs as quickly and are likely to last significantly longer on the tarmac.
Respondent 2: Keeping the cost down on equipment is difficult, the equipment needs to be strong and lightweight, it is a juggling act to keep in the airlines budgets and provide a safe product.
Respondent 3: We prioritize a balanced approach when working with manufacturers and designing ground service equipment, considering factors such as performance, efficiency, cost, and environmental sustainability. By incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient features, and exploring alternative fuel options, we strive to optimize equipment performance while minimizing environmental impact. Our goal is to provide cost-effective solutions that meet industry needs and promote sustainability.
What advice would you give to airport operators and airlines who are looking to improve their ground service equipment operations and enhance their overall efficiency and productivity?
Respondent 1: Having the right people researching, investigating and procuring the right product, exactly what is needed, not only for today, but for the future is the best advice. You don’t want someone to simply repeat buy what has always been purchased, but really a visionary who is seeing what the business will need in years to come.
Respondent 2: Strength and durability, that is what they are looking for, the do not need equipment down for repairs because of poor builds.
Respondent 3: To improve ground service equipment operations and enhance efficiency and productivity, here are three key tips: Evaluate current operations: Identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in equipment, processes, and workflows. Invest in customized solutions: Opt for modern, tailored equipment with advanced features to optimize performance and streamline operations. Provide training and maintenance: Regularly train staff on equipment operation and implement a maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime. Following these tips can help airport operators and airlines enhance overall efficiency and productivity in their ground service equipment operations.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the aviation industry in the next decade, and how can ground service equipment help address those challenges?
Respondent 1: The biggest challenges that will fall on the aviation industry will be the ever changing regulations. Having the right people and the right products is a great place to start to combat that challenge. Being able to adjust and pivot as the regulations change, for example fossil fuels to electric will help a company stay ahead of the game and ultimately stay successful.
Respondent 2: The increased loads and the realization that cargo is immense, after COVID no one expected the increase in all airline activity to come back so strong and so quick. Having the right equipment to ease the burden would be essential to their operation, our product should provide them the confidence that have got it right and we help them achieve their goals.
Respondent 3: In the next decade, the aviation industry will face challenges like increasing demand, sustainability, and regulations. Ground service equipment plays a key role in addressing these challenges by improving efficiency, promoting sustainability, ensuring compliance, and offering flexibility. It’s essential for airlines to invest in innovative and adaptable equipment to overcome these challenges and maintain safe and efficient operations.
