Aviator, a Nordic one-stop-shop for aviation ground handling services, announces the introduction of Kalmar FB600EL, a fully-electric tow tractor for pushback and maintenance towing of wide-body aircraft, to Aviator Finland operations, increasing its bases operational capability and reducing Aviator’s environmental footprint.
The fully-electric sixty-tonne conventional tractor increases Aviator Finland’s capability within wide-body operations and is a welcome addition to the company’s arsenal of Ground support equipment (GSE). The machine is suitable for towing weights of up to 600,000 kilograms and can be used for aircraft of the majority of Aviator’s customers, including Embraer ERJ190, Airbus A319-321, A330, A350, and Boeing 737, 757, 787.
As the global attention to eco-consciousness continues to grow, the Kalmar FB600EL tow truck marks the next step in Aviator’s sustainability initiative towards electrically operated GSE. When fully charged, the vehicle can be in operation for 4 hours. It is capable of handling aircraft while producing zero emissions and less noise than conventional diesel-powered units.
“Aviator and Kalmar Motor have a long-standing relationship and together share the same goals of achieving the highest quality of operations, customer service and a desire to reduce airport GSE emissions. The proven clean technology from Kalmar Motor AB, enables Aviator to identify its position as a leading aircraft ground handler throughout Scandinavia and Europe,” commented Henri Suurnäkki, Business Process Manager at Aviator Finland.
“We are pleased that Aviator continues to choose us as their partners in the journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable ground operations. We believe that The Kalmar Motor FB600EL full electric drive conventional towing tractor will allow Aviator to execute more efficient, convenient, and eco-friendly operations,” said Magnus Johansson, the Managing Director at Kalmar Motor.
In addition to its operational capacity and sustainability advantages, the Kalmar FB600EL also holds attractive economic benefits. The truck runs at lower operating and maintenance costs in comparison to regular diesel counterparts.
“HiSERV offers the market purely electrically-operated models for aircraft handling at flexible conditions, on lease basis in almost all vehicle classes. Advantages of such machinery include significantly lower maintenance costs, considerably reduced noise emissions, and, of course, environmental protection,” commented Roland Ueckert, Managing Director of HiSERV.
As of April 1st, 2021, Aviator Finland will take over Finnair Airbus operations, significantly increasing the company’s daily operations on both short and long-haul flights as well as other related ramp services.
