SATS, Guangtai to explore advanced tech for airport ground support

The collaboration also includes a focus on training, engineering, and sustainability improvements.

SATS Airport Services Pte Ltd and Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co Ltd (Guangtai), a global support equipment (GSE) manufacturer and supplier, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore and trial advanced technologies to drive improvements in airport ground support services provided by SATS and its subsidiaries.

The three-year collaboration aims to evaluate the performance and suitability of the technologies in real-world airport operations, with a focus on electric GSE technologies, ensuring they meet the specific needs of SATS’ operations.

SATS will begin by trialling a new mid-size electric air tug, developed with the expertise of Guangtai, designed to push or tow medium-sized passenger aircraft.

The collaboration also includes a focus on training, engineering, and sustainability improvements.

SATS has also initiated a strategic multi-year capex management approach to optimise GSE procurement and fleet management.

As part of this strategy, SATS is consolidating category management and building long-term partnerships with a few key GSE manufacturers in order to improve the reliability, efficiency, and total cost of ownership of SATS’ GSE fleet.