Apron Services unveils new equipment worth R50-m

AIRPORT HANDLING major Apron Services has invested more than R50m this financial year in new ground handling equipment, with a further R41-m planned in the year ahead.
"It's part and parcel of our commitment to safe and efficient service," chief executive Greg Segoneco told clients at the unveiling of the new equipment in Johannesburg last week.
New towing tractors, additional pallet dollies, high loader equipment for widebodied freighters and towbarless tugs were among the new arrivals on show.
Pride of the pack were the towbarless tugs, a first for the region. They offer the benefits of safety and speed, according to executive manager marketing and client care, Bob Gurr, also providing significant benefits for the congested JIA airport.
Not only do they occupy less space, but also because of the speed at which interstand towing is achieved, aircraft staying over for 10 to 12 hours can be moved to stands where they don't take up valuable connecting stand space, Gurr told FTW. The larger of the two alone represents an investment of R4,3m.
When Apron Services came into being it took over all South African Airways' equipment. This latest investment is part of a commitment to phasing out outdated equipment and replacing it with technology that makes practical business sense, Gurr said.