Late last year, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) began deploying the TA8200 de-icer produced by Northern Ireland-based GSE supplier Mallaghan at Newark Liberty International Airport in a first for both WFS and the US market
Globally active handler WFS is to employ two of the new TA8200 aircraft de-icers at the New York gateway.
Mallaghan has sold some 250 TA8200s over the years, the company confirms. The unit has proven its worth innumerable times on other continents – it has been deployed at European and Asian stations since 2010 – but it is a new feature in the US market.
Joe Griffith, Mallaghan’s commercial manager, comments: “We are thrilled to launch our aircraft de-icer in the North American market in partnership with WFS. We are very happy WFS has chosen to partner with us to support their aircraft de-icing operations in Newark as we approach the cold winter months.”
The TA8200 incorporates an enclosed operator’s basket, single-operator drive system, what Mallaghan describes as an ‘innovative and robust’ nozzle design, a forced air system to help reduce glycol usage and environmental impact, and open protocol for easy telemetry system integration.
Griffith says that the system offers significant benefits to its users. “The TA8200 is a premium mid-market de-icer that delivers the quality and advanced technology of a high-end de-icer but at a mid-market price point,” he says.
“Excellent visibility with proportional control of boom and basket ensures safe working conditions, and the four-stage, stainless steel burner guarantees quick and efficient usage.
“Reliability, safety and high drive stability were central to the development of the TA8200, as well as ease of use and excellent accessibility to all components.
“The high quality of this unit at a mid-market price is really what sets the TA8200 apart from other products on the market.”
Moreover, he adds: “We have dedicated US-based technical support teams and most spare parts are shipped the very next day, so our customers can enjoy peace of mind.”
Griffith admits that 2020 was a difficult year for the aviation industry, but observes that it was “great to see organisations such as WFS continuing to invest to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for their clients’ passengers and operations”.
He adds: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Mallaghan, and this product is of premium quality and is a superb addition to our existing portfolio in North America.”
Terrance Trainor, senior vice president – ground handling for WFS, notes: “As part of our commitment to the highest standards of safety and security, this equipment will enable WFS to provide superior de-icing services for our airline customers at Newark Liberty International Airport.
“We look forward to realising the value these machines will bring to WFS and our clients as we recover from the pandemic and grow our business in new and exciting directions.”
WFS provides ground and cargo handling services at 175 airports in more than 22 countries on five continents. It serves some 270 airlines around the world.
