Harrods Aviation, the FBO chain based in London, UK, with premises at Luton and Stansted airports, has invested more than £500,000 (US$620,000) in new ground support equipment (GSE). The company says this is necessary to support growing numbers of customer traffic, and also a rise in large traffic movements.
Among the equipment purchased is a TLD TMX550 tractor tug, which can push back or tow a Boeing B747-800 and an Airbus A380. Harrods Aviation has also bought two new sets of JBT self-propelled passenger steps, which can serve aircraft with doors up to 5.8m high. A Charlotte EBT electric tractor, which has a towing capacity of 20 tons, will also be used, with a Hitzinger D-Power 180 GPU ground power supply and various new hydro system tow bars completing the line-up.
Kerry Besgrove, operations director, Harrods Aviation, said, “This ongoing investment is needed to maintain and increase customer satisfaction by making sure that we have the best, most up-to-date equipment for servicing our customers’ aircraft. The increase in large cabin movements that we have seen reflects the fact that we keep our customers happy through efficient and seamless customer service.
“Having new equipment aides our staff in making sure aircraft depart on time with minimum delays for customers. We have also invested in intensive training for staff using the new equipment to provide the optimum customer experience.”
