GSE buyer and service provider
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Posted Date: 01/03/2008
Issue: Airside International March 2008
Publication: Airside International
ASIG is both a buyer of GSE and a provider of GSE maintenance services. In its former role, ASIG maintains and operates over 8,500 pieces of equipment in support of daily operations; so having a rolling programme to ensure that they maintain a high level of fleet reliability is critical to their success.
The company operates at more than 50 US airports and handles close to 10,000 flights on a daily basis. “In deciding when to invest in new equipment, we just don’t look at the age of the vehicle, there are definitely many factors we take into consideration,” says Steve Minier, ASIG’s Senior Director of Technical Services. “ASIG has a proprietary computerised maintenance software program for our GSE fleet management. We’ve created a monthly reporting component that tells us when the cost of maintaining a particular piece of equipment exceeds predetermined performance factors. This data allows us make intelligent purchasing decisions when upgrading our fleet and we can know exactly when and where it is needed.”
ASIG does purchase equipment on an ad hoc basis too; but usually in support of new accounts or large scale contracts where cross utilisation of existing equipment is not feasible.
“We recently invested more than $16 million dollars in equipment in support of our new ground handling contract at Terminal One, JFK International Airport,” continues Minier.
With thousands of pieces of motorised and non-motorised equipment in operation, ASIG has found that performing its own vehicle maintenance is the best solution. “We do most of the preventive and routine maintenance ourselves. It is more convenient, assures us it being done correctly and on time, and we can easily track our fleet status via our GSE software program,” remarks Minier. “In our network, we employ over 500 mechanics have over the years invested heavily in maintenance facilities, employee training and programmes.”
Dan Sellas, Vice President Marketing & Business Development, continues: “Our GSE programme is a very successful component of our business operations and we have the infrastructure, experienced staff and well developed resources to extend these services to third party customers easily. With continued outsourcing of non core business functions by airlines and airports, we are experiencing steady growth in this line of business.”
ASIG’s third party customers include other airport operators both on and off the field. The company offers routine, preventive and ad hoc maintenance services, and in many locations can also provide paint and body work. “We have a dedicated Technical Services Division and offer not just GSE maintenance, but we also have experienced technical staff and electricians who maintain jet bridges, baggage conveyor systems and other airport equipment across our network. We can tailor service programmes for customers in a variety of ways; we can offer regular maintenance services, emergency or ad hoc services. We can also create a more comprehensive programme with dedicated staff to manage entire fleets; we have the ability to be very flexible,” continues Sellas.
In terms of the impact of environmental regulations on GSE procurement and divestment decisions, Minier says: “Environmental regulations primarily affect our GSE maintenance facilities. There are very stringent regulations concerning hazardous waste, use of chemicals, disposal of batteries and a host of other concerns.” “As for GSE equipment on the ramp, we are definitely moving towards a greener fleet and looking at several alternatives,” notes Sellas. “At a number of locations we have made investments in electric tugs and belt loaders.” ASIG converted a number of pieces of equipment to propane gas in locations such as Phoenix, Tucson and Los Angeles. “It’s cleaner and less expensive than gasoline and we also are using bio diesel elsewhere,” adds Minier. “Biodiesel typically costs more to purchase, but the existing tax advantages make it affordable.”
Sellas adds: “Of course the decision to use alternative fueled or hybrid equipment is always tempered by other considerations, such as: is the infrastructure in place at the airport to support the requirements of the equipment and how much equipment modification is necessary, and are alternative fuels suitable for the operating environment? ASIG is seeking to introduce more energy efficient equipment with the hope of substantially reducing our impact on the environment.”
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