Co-operation between the two partners involving telematics and GSE ramp management software has created a solution – GoDirect Ground – that can provide airlines and ground handlers with real-time insights into vehicle activity anywhere on an airport
Pinnacle has a 15-year of history of research and development as well as the provision of telematics systems for GSE, while US manufacturing and software giant Honeywell had previously developed a group of connected services it calls GoDirect. The two companies have combined their expertise in Honeywell’s new GoDirect Ground product.
GoDirect Ground allows ramp operators to better connect their GSE operations, resulting in better on-time performance, lower maintenance costs and greater fuel efficiency.
GSE vehicles equipped with telematics hardware transmit data into advanced software that then gives airlines and ground handlers real-time, operational data, providing what Honeywell descries as “real-time insights into vehicle use and maintenance requirements”, as well as exact locations of ongoing ramp operations.
“The ability to provide ramp operators with connected services combined with telematics creates a new connected ramp reality that addresses one of the last untapped areas in the aerospace industry,” opines Kristin Slyker, vice president, connected aircraft, at Honeywell Aerospace.
“We’re ready to implement this new approach today for any customer ready to improve safety and operational efficiency on the ramp – from the moment an aircraft lands until that same aircraft is airborne again.”
The new connected ramp solution is said to be able to offer customers: an up to 15% reduction in maintenance costs; a 10 to 45% reduction in the cost of damage to GSE due to improved safety in operations (such as, for example, less speeding), location awareness and improved knowledge on vehicle status (for example, ensuring that stairs are locked in place); and an up to five-minute reduction in average aircraft turnaround times.
Slyker talked to Airside about the genesis of the collaboration between the two companies. “Honeywell and Pinnacle had been in discussions for over a year, getting to know each other’s capabilities and understanding how we can partner together creating value to our customers.
“Pinnacle has a field-proven technology and a history of high quality and robust equipment integration,” she notes. “Customers will benefit from Honeywell and Pinnacle’s complementary product portfolio. Honeywell’s Connected Aircraft product portfolio and Pinnacle’s ground experience combine to create a seamlessly integrated ground-based solution to improve all aspects of aircraft ground handling.”
Honeywell will be able to offer a tailor-made solution to different clients. Its ability to customise the solution means we can serve the disparate needs of different market segments, she informs. “Honeywell can optimise ramp operations by providing real-time, data-driven situational awareness. Telematics, visualisation, improved resource management and real-time turn tools mean a ramp co-ordinator has all the information needed to minimise the impact of disruptions.
“It is a scalable solution which can be adapted to the size of the operation and to the needs of the customer. This allows our customer to have a tailored experience by selecting the features best suited for their operational needs. Obviously those operators and providers with a significant volume of turns will benefit more from the efficiency of a quicker turn.”
While customisable to suit different requirements, Slyker has no doubt about the widespread applicability of the system. “Airports, airlines, and GSPs [ground service providers] of all sizes anywhere in the world will benefit significantly from GoDirect Ground,” she insists.
A vision of the future?
Telematics and associated ramp operations management software have become more popular in the last few years, and more widespread. And, says Slyker: “Our connected ramp vision is to provide solutions that gather data from the field of operations while providing tools that help everyone do their jobs better and faster while improving safety.
“We enable ground handlers to act in a concerted manner to do the right thing by integrating data used to run certain aspects of operations, analysing this data and providing useful information, recommendations and metrics tailored to each person.
“GoDirect Ground will smooth operations on the day of flight where all information flows freely to the right person at the right time to enable the right decision to avoid disruptions or recover painlessly. Each piece of the GoDirect Ground ecosystem provides value independently, but the combined benefit is significantly higher by leveraging the data and efficiencies of each one.
“It starts with GoDirect Ground telematics as a foundation for ensuring positive control of all the ground operations equipment, both through real-time monitoring to better respond to disruptions immediately and advanced analytics to improve planning and deployment.
“The GoDirect Ground turn solution allows ramp operations to manage the aircraft turn using mobile systems, putting the power of information into the hands of personnel directly responsible for a safe, fast and accurate aircraft turn.”
Furthermore: “Paperwork is filed automatically and electronically, improving operational speed, which creates an easily searched historical record for analysis. The GoDirect Ground resource management systems addresses all the resource allocation requirements to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time.
“Advanced AI [artificial intelligence] algorithms not only guide our customers to the right decisions in real-time, but help build future schedules based on any potential scenario that may come their way.
“Finally, the GoDirect Ground Control and Navigation Suite can visualise the real-time position of every aircraft or piece of equipment at the airport and provide all the details with a simple click. This powerful tool guarantees operations can immediately respond to constantly changing conditions.”
The value of such systems is clear. Thus, Slyker concludes: “We believe all GSPs and their operators will [be using] connected systems such as GoDirect Ground in the coming decade. When you consider the growth in demand for air travel, limited real estate for airports and growing expectations of efficiency it is apparent that GoDirect Ground offers a capability that is a differentiator today and a requirement to compete tomorrow.”
