The final list of confirmed speakers will be confirmed shortly but they will be knowledgeable past or present suppliers or users of GSE – whether from industry associations, ground service providers, airlines, airports or equipment manufacturers – able and willing to share their experiences and expertise.
The podcasts will be hosted by industry stalwart Chris Notter.
We hope that these podcasts will be both informative and interesting, helping drive our aviation sector to the next level.
The nine episodes will take in the following:
Episode 1 – The part that autonomous GSE can play in improving the efficiency of aircraft turnarounds
We will discuss the ongoing introduction of autonomous GSE on ramps around the world. How does autonomous GSE effect turnaround efficiency? How safe and how reliable is the technology and how does this technology affect the CapEx and OpEx costs of equipment when compared to current options? Should we be worried about ramp rash/PAD (preventing aircraft damage) if there is less hands-on human input in GSE operation?
Episode 2 – Effective GSE resource planning
We will discuss how a GSE operator can ensure they operate a fleet of optimal size. Many stations have too much GSE, which of course has an impact on costs. We will look at minimising fleet numbers and how using telematics can maximise the operational availability of equipment.
Episode 3 – Preventing aircraft damage: eliminating ramp rash
We will discuss methods that can be adopted by ramp operators to minimise the number of incidents that might lead to collisions between GSE and aircraft at a gate, techniques and tools such as: induction training for GSE operators; ongoing and recurring training; eliminating cases of unreported damage and near misses; the use of reporting systems; the various GSE collision avoidance technologies now available; and the value of telematics.
We will also look at possible future technological or procedural advances that might have a beneficial role to play in this area.
Episode 4 – Preventing aircraft damage: approach systems and IATA AHM-913
We will discuss the challenges faced by operators when operating to the standards advised by IATA AHM-913. We assess the costs of the technology that should where possible be fitted to GSE, associated staff training and other related issues.
Episode 5 – Data-driven approaches to managing safety on the ramp
We will discuss the value of data passing between handlers, airlines and airport operators when dealing with unwanted incidents on the ramp and airside safety more generally. We will also discuss the quality and management of data being recorded and shared: what should be shared and how?
Episode 6 – The need for adequate airside charging infrastructure
We will discuss the charging infrastructure that is required at airports to allow ground handling agents to employ battery-powered GSE. Challenges to overcome include poor electrical grids in some locations and a lack of investment in recharging facilities at others. Is new battery technology that allows faster charging and/or less frequent charging easing the challenge?
Episode 7 – Through-life GSE capability management and total cost of ownership (TCO) minimisation
We will discuss how a GSE operator might calculate an item of equipment’s TCO as part of an acquisition selection process and assessing how that cost can be minimised. Good GSE maintenance is part of that process, and we look at what technology is available to support that process.
Episode 8 – Effective GSE pooling
We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GSE pooling to different elements of the aviation industry, amongst them handlers, airlines, and airport operators.
Episode 9 – Improving GSE maintenance facilities
We will discuss the improvements needed at facilities around the world for dedicated GSE maintenance
