Staying on the subject of industry events, the GSE & RAMP-OPS AFRICA Review piece looks back at this magazine’s sister conference and exhibition, held for the first time in the rapidly evolving African market.

Four of the features in this issue of the magazine relate directly to GSE, one assessing how demand for – and supply of – more environmentally friendly equipment is changing the airside operating environment in many parts of the world. Another considers GSE engine technology, the third ground power units and pre-conditioned air units, and the fourth tugs and tractors; in these areas, too, the need to minimise harmful emissions is a key driver of change.

And the last of our major features of this issue assesses the changing world of on-airport aircraft de-icing.

The ramp and ongoing modernisation of apron areas is an ongoing focus of Airside International and this issue is no different. Here, investment in new infrastructure and equipment across a large number of North American gateways has been our focus, encompassing new developments at airports including Miami, Tampa, Oakland, Rickenbacker and Vancouver. Europe is also not forgotten, with a glimpse into a busy future for Finland’s Helsinki Airport.

The world according to the GSE provider is not forgotten, as we meet suppliers of airside equipment including Transtec Overseas. We hear the latest news from CIMC Airmarrel, while new technologies are the focus of considerations of Vanderlande’s innovative automated FLEET baggage handling system and Aurrigo’s autonomous ramp baggage dolly being trialled by British Airways at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

AVIACO CEO Danny Vranckx welcomed Airside to the GSE refurbishment specialist’s new facility in Spain as the company expands rapidly across new markets, growing its international footprint.

Nick Klause, head of product management at Lippstadt, Germany-based ASO Safety Solutions – manufacturer of safety systems for equipment in many industries, including aviation – offers his thoughts on what his company offers that cannot be readily sourced elsewhere.

The all-important work of the ground handler is also put under the spotlight. We talk to ground service provider Link Aero’s CEO Amr Samir, while Pegasus’ vice president of ground operations tells Airside about how the Turkish low-cost carrier has ramped up its on-time performance and customer satisfaction through the introduction of new technologies and new processes.

US ground services provider PrimeFlight Aviation Services is expanding, and we take a look at the latest moves it is making.

Finally, two of our regular Buyer’s Assessments complete the issue. One takes a look at the success of Aviramp’s innovative mobile walk-through boarding bridges at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on the US West Coast, and the other considers the value of ASI Solutions’ Rhinophalt runway resurfacing option for Alderney Airport in the Channel Islands.

We hope you enjoy the issue.