Our Sales Manager, Matt Hanson, headed over to Lisbon to attend the GSE Expo Europe to get a gauge on the growth in electrification as well as network with leading GSE/airport equipment suppliers under one roof.
GSE Expo Europe, which took place 15-17 September at the FIL conference centre in Lisbon, Portugal hosted three brilliant days, bringing together more than 200 exhibitors, 4,600 visitors and more than 70 International Airport Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IAEMA) members.
Matt reflects on hot topics at the event and what the future holds for Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
“It was visible that regulatory changes in the market were a real driver for a lot of the changes and innovation on show. Some of the more obvious ones were in relation to decarbonisation and moving from traditional legacy diesel belt loaders and passenger stairs to more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
“But there was also evidence of safety, automation and efficiency as drivers too. For our clients and several OEMs at the show there was a focus on electrifying smaller machinery such as your baggage handlers, but another area that we’re seeing being explored is in battery powered Ground Power Units (GPU’s).
“These units are used to power the electrics on board an aircraft such as lights, air con and cockpit instrumentation, whilst it’s on the ground. Typically, this would have been engine driven but as a way to improve the safety and operating environments greener alternatives are being considered as they can reduce noise, air pollution as well as save aircraft fuel. Therefore, I do think battery powered variants will be a growth area as OEMs and operators look at ways to address multiple regulations.
The transition to electric powertrains is gathering pace
“The show had a real buzz, and I was able to meet with a number of large UK and Irish OEMs (including some existing clients) – all of whom are producing electric machines. So, it was great to see that electrification is gaining momentum in ground handling and aviation operations.
“A further key observation around this was the number of fully electric systems, which are fast becoming the go-to powertrain for many of the machines. And where we can support in this, with our extensive experience in powertrain systems, can be anything from the transaxles, wheel drives and pump motors, through to the control system and ancillary electrical components, software and knowledge of integrating systems.”
As a leading powertrain solutions provider and systems integrator, we have the experience to support your project with insight and specialist product knowledge, talk to the team: www.lancereal.com/contact