A Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) is an enclosed, movable walkway that links an airport terminal gate directly to an aircraft, allowing passengers to board and disembark comfortably and safely. Available in various configurations, PBBs streamline airport operations by enabling quick and protected transfers between the terminal and aircraft, minimizing exposure to weather and reducing ramp safety risks.
A Ground Power Unit (GPU) supplies electrical power to an aircraft on the ground, enabling essential systems like lighting, avionics, and climate control to operate without using the aircraft’s engines. GPUs connect via a cable and provide a stable power source, ensuring continuous support for systems during boarding, maintenance, and pre-flight checks.
A Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) system supplies temperature-controlled, filtered air to an aircraft while parked, maintaining a comfortable cabin environment for passengers and crew without using the aircraft's engines or auxiliary power units (APUs). By delivering fresh, conditioned air directly to the aircraft, PCA units help sustain cabin comfort and reduce fuel consumption on the ground.
An Ambulift is a specialized airport vehicle designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility, including those in wheelchairs or requiring medical support, in boarding and exiting aircraft. It provides a smooth and safe transfer between the terminal and the aircraft, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in air travel. Ambulifts are especially beneficial for passengers using wheelchairs, stretchers, or those with difficulty climbing stairs.
The Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) is an automated system that provides precise visual guidance to pilots during the docking process. This system enhances safety and efficiency by guiding aircraft to park accurately at terminal gates, even in adverse weather conditions. A-VDGS reduces docking time, lowers fuel consumption, and minimizes emissions. The latest A-VDGS models are modular, allowing for customization to meet diverse operational needs and budgets, making them a valuable tool for modern airport operations.
Airfield Crash Fire Tenders (ACFTs) are specialized firefighting vehicles designed for rapid response to aircraft emergencies, particularly during crashes or fires on or near the airfield. These vehicles are equipped with high-capacity water and foam tanks, advanced nozzles, and powerful pumps for effective fire suppression. Built for acceleration and maneuverability, ACFTs can navigate rough terrain while delivering large volumes of extinguishing agents swiftly. In addition to firefighting capabilities, they carry rescue tools such as ladders and medical supplies, ensuring immediate response and enhanced safety during emergencies.
Airfield lighting and accessories are essential for safe airport operations, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. These lighting systems, including runway edge lights, approach lights, and taxiway lights, guide aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. Obstruction lights highlight potential hazards, while apron lights ensure safe ground handling in parking areas. Advanced controls manage lighting intensity and status, enhancing safety and efficiency across the airfield.
A runway surface friction tester is a specialized device designed to measure the friction characteristics of airport runways and taxiways. This device assesses the friction between the runway surface and a standardized test tire, determining the friction coefficient essential for safe aircraft operations during takeoff and landing. The data obtained helps airport authorities identify when maintenance or improvements are necessary, ensuring optimal landing and takeoff conditions for aircraft safety.
A runway rubber and paint removal machine is vital for maintaining airport runways, using high-pressure water to clear rubber deposits from tires and paint markings without damaging the pavement. Removing rubber buildup restores traction, especially important during wet conditions, to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. This machine helps maintain optimal runway performance, enhancing safety for all aircraft operations.
A runway sweeper machine is specialized equipment used to keep airport runways clean and safe by efficiently removing debris, dirt, and foreign objects that could endanger aircraft. These sweepers operate using vacuum suction, with a dirt container equipped with a cyclonic separator and mesh filters that employ centrifugal force to capture heavy particles. Built to industrial standards, these machines often feature full access control, adjustable panels, and casting rollers, ensuring effective debris collection and optimized runway maintenance.
An airport grass cutter machine is essential for maintaining grass and vegetation across airport grounds, including areas around runways and taxiways. Equipped with powerful cutting blades and wide mowing decks, these machines efficiently trim large turf areas while ensuring a neat appearance. By reducing wildlife hazards and maintaining clear sightlines, they enhance safety for pilots and ground staff. With high maneuverability and versatility for varied terrain, airport grass cutters are crucial for supporting both airport aesthetics and operational safety.
The Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit (DARK) is a specialized set of equipment designed to assist in the swift recovery and removal of disabled aircraft from runways, taxiways, or other operational areas at airports. DARK includes high-pressure lifting bags and specialized tools capable of safely lifting and repositioning stranded or incapacitated aircraft, including large commercial types. This kit plays a crucial role in minimizing disruptions, enhancing passenger safety, and ensuring efficient airport operations by enabling the quick removal of disabled aircraft and reducing downtime.
An Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) provides real-time weather updates crucial for airport operations and flight safety. Using a range of sensors, AWOS collects data on wind speed, temperature, visibility, and more to assist pilots and ground staff with timely decision-making. This system automatically transmits data in METAR format to aircraft and broadcasts computer-generated voice updates by radio. Managed by airports, AWOS may also feature advanced monitoring like lightning detection and wind shear alerts, further enhancing airport safety and efficiency.
A Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) is a vital security measure used at airports to detect and prevent unauthorized access to secure areas. This system enhances airport security through various technologies, including fence-mounted sensors that can detect attempts to climb or cut through perimeter fencing, and buried cable sensors that monitor pressure or movement indicating unauthorized crossings of secured boundaries. Additionally, PIDS incorporates cameras that provide visual confirmation of any intrusions. When an intrusion is detected, the system can alert security personnel or law enforcement, activate alarms, and lock doors to prevent further access. By integrating PIDS with other security measures such as CCTV cameras and on-site security personnel, airports can ensure a comprehensive approach to safety and security.