Swiss aviation services company, Swissport, has signed a five-year agreement with Honeywell for the global deployment of GoDirect Ground Handling service.
Created in partnership with Pinnacle, the global telematics company, Honeywell’s solution enables users to connect ramp support services used for airport-based ground transportation vehicles.
Using a combination of connectivity and telematics, the connected ramp system allows ground-based vehicles at airports to transmit data that can be fed into Honeywell’s GoDirect Ground Handling software. This provides ground handlers the ability to collate the data, which is then analysed through an operator-friendly interface.
Prior to deploying the solution across its global network, Swissport, which provides ground services at 318 airports across 50 countries, was able to carry out a proof-of-concept demonstration to evaluate the benefits of GoDirect Ground Handling. It recognised an estimated 13% reduction in repair and maintenance costs, a greater understanding of driver behaviours and identification of the most commonly driven pathways at airports.
“Connected and software-driven technology is set to have a profound impact on the evolution of ground handling, and we’re working with Honeywell to move the industry forward with the creation of the connected ramp,” said David Burgess, vice-president Global Fleet, Swissport International.
He added that “with more accessible data, we can create a safer and more efficient ramp environment, drive better on-time performance and lower fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, telematics will help us ‘right size’ our vast ground-support fleet through more efficient allocation and utilisation, thereby reducing congestion and saving on long-term capital expenditure.”
Kristin Slyker, Honeywell’s vice-president of Connected Aircraft, added: “Savings on fuel and maintenance costs are just some of the initial benefits that this technology can deliver to ground handlers.”
She concluded: “True integration of ground operations with airport and airline processes is now a real possibility, driving even greater opportunities for the creation of value for everyone that flies.”
