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2. NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT ONGROUND! 3. COVER STORY: AIRCRAFT APPEARANCE 4. A NEW GSE IS BORN: JUMBOCLEAN 5. NEW GSE PARTNERSHIP WITH MILOCO AIRCRAFT WASHING BY VESTERGAARD 6. TCR GOES ‘ME’ WITH ONGROUND BRIDGE THE GAP! 7. THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLING FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION IN GSE 8. LOAD BANKS FOR MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

THE FUTURE OF PUSHBACKS HAS ARRIVED: HYBRID 9. ECO DRIVE FOR MULAG CARGO TRACTORS THE NEW ‘S’ POWER HAS LANDED! 10. SWEET DREAMS AT MARHABA’S DXB T3 LOUNGES HAPPY BIRTHDAY: GOSLEEP & ETIHAD AIRWAYS AT AUH 11. GOSLEEP x 2 + O2 = TWO GO2SLEEP LOUNGES ICEBRIDGE LANDS IN AFRICA 12. POWER STOW ON THE MOVE IN MEA DUBAI AIRPORT SHOW 2015 PREVIEW 13. RELYING ON EXPERTISE AND SPECIALISATION 14. HIGH DEMAND AT ALMADION 15. THE FACE BEHIND GSE-MART.AERO

ISSUE 2 – May 2015

A year has passed since our first annual Newsletter was published in May 2014; a year of solid growth, new partnerships, and faces, exciting opportunities, and a brand new office at Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai.

Having grown from humble beginnings in 2011 to a team of 14, the ONGROUND family at both Abu Dhabi and Dubai saw the arrival of several new faces over the last 12 months: Myra Ragual, Executive Assistant; Ekaterina Tourneboeuf as Assistant Customer Service Manager for GoSleep in Abu Dhabi, Abid Raza, Business Development Manager for ONGROUND Lifestyle, and last but not least Gareth Jenkin as Finance Director. Our GoSleep hospitality team at AUH meanwhile increased to six, with further team members expected to join during the 2nd half of 2015.

N E V E R A D U L L M O M E N T A T O N G R O U N D !

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Coinciding with the launch of ONGROUND Lifestyle in January, our first ever non-aviation ‘experiment’, ONGROUND FZC and LLC saw a rebranding into ONGROUND Aviation, and ONGROUND Hospitality respectively. The three brands now represent the Group’s following distinct business activities:

§ ONGROUND Aviation: GSE and Catering solutions, GSE-Mart.aero, ONGROUND Parts & Services

§ ONGROUND Hospitality: GoSleep sleeping pod/lounge franchise

§ ONGROUND Lifestyle: Non-aviation lifestyle and hospitality solutions including Oxygenbars ME

Among many others, three highlights over the last 12 months include the launch of Jumbo Clean Aircraft Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Unit, our first ‘home-grown’ GSE; the first arrival of Icebridge’s cooling solutions in Africa; and a new strategic partnership with TCR for the Arabian peninsula.

Together with our growing team we look forward to the next 12 months of further success, and to keep on supporting the MEA aviation industry.

Myra Ragual Gareth Jenkin Abid Raza Ekaterina Tourneboeuf

One of the greatest industries a person can be a part of is the aviation industry. As the industry continues to grow at an explosive rate in the Middle East, suppliers have become the demand. The service branch of the aviation industry is perhaps the most demanding side of the business, but it is also one of the most rewarding.

Airlines in the Middle East operate large fleets of new aircraft. Getting them delivered and flying is only the start of maintaining the aircrafts’ appearance. The task of keeping the fleet looking like new should not be taken lightly. Keeping an aircraft clean is not only for appearance, but also to provide corrosion control. Correctly executed interior cleaning provides the VIP experience in the cabin on many long haul flights that originate in the Middle East.

Go Aviation Middle East (“Go Aviation”) is a full service aircraft appearance and polishing company that services commercial airlines , cargo, VIP, and VVIP clients in the Middle East. Go Aviation, based in the UAE, prides itself on its ability to handle any capacity job, even at last minute’s notice. Its client base covers a variety of markets. With this market penetration, Go Aviation looks to continue its forward momentum and high standards to become a highly recognisable entity within the aircraft appearance and polishing sector globally.

Go Aviation was the first to introduce the “hybrid wash” service in the Middle East. The partners of Go Aviation say that offering this service was made possible by operating with proper equipment, such as Vestergaard’s aircraft washers. The hybrid wash allows the appearance staff to provide a topside rinse on any wide body aircraft, followed by a very detailed corrosion control cleaning from the windows down, including the belly, landing gear and underneath the wings. The passenger experience inside the aircraft is not to be overlooked. Go Aviation also sees great benefits using the newly launched JumboClean for the carpet and upholstery cleaning in the not too distant future.

Aircraft appearance begins with familiarising the appearance staff with the fleet and the work to be completed. It then requires a strong emphasis on safe operations of equipment, supplies and products, as well as comprehensive SMS training. Last but not least Go Aviation is incorporating a recurrent training programme to make sure all staff are staying within operational guidelines.

The structured programmes for safety and training require the appearance staff to recognise the importance of their job functions. In the Middle East, one of the key issues for aircraft is corrosion control. The atmosphere is highly corrosive with desert sands, high winds, and warm salt-laden air. In a market where the proper equipment is required to address issues like corrosion, well-executed service that promotes limited down-time of the aircraft is a must for any company.

ONGROUND is a trusted partner for the Vestergaard equipment for the Go Aviation operations in the Middle East. Go Aviation is also a professional training and consulting service for ONGROUND’s JumboClean aircraft appearance solution. This partnership will continue to develop as Go Aviation progresses and expands its reach in the aviation industry.

 

C O V E R S T O R Y : A I R C R A F T A P P E A R A N C E

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Please refer to the two interviews on pages 13 and 14 to learn more about Go Aviation and Almadion, two strategic ONGROUND partners for aircraft appearance.

The 10th of May, 2015 will be the official global launch date of JumboClean, the first ever ‘off-the-shelve’ trailer-based Aircraft Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner. This new GSE is ONGROUND’s very own answer to a growing demand for aircraft appearance solutions in the MEA region, and the unit can address any size of aircraft from executive jet to A380. Designed and built by our partner Miloco in France, and further supported by the expertise and cleaning products of Go Aviation and Almadion, JumboClean is not just a GSE!

A N E W G S E I S B O R N : J U M B O C L E A N

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Instead it is a complete solution consisting of a custom-built trailer, the world’s #1 carpet shampoo unit for aircraft cabin cleaning purposes, a large array of complementary tools and equipment, a starter kit of aviation-approved carpet and fabric cleaner and conditioner, and last but not least extensive on-site training and consulting from JumboClean operations and maintenance, and both internal and external aircraft cleaning as a whole. The JumboClean unit comes with either a 60 or 90 meter double hose, with a further option of splitting the cleaning unit into a dual operation, enabling simultaneous cleaning from both the front, middle or back of the aircraft, or on both decks respectively, with a single JumboClean trailer. The first ever Jumbo Clean production unit will be showcased on our stand at the Dubai Airport Show.

Vestergaard equipment is now in use throughout the Middle East for washing VVIP aircraft. From Morocco to Jordan, Qatar to the UAE, the companies handling the jets for the most important clients prefer Vestergaard Aircraft Washers.

With a Vestergaard Elephant MY Aircraft Washer, there is no compromise in quality and reliability. There is no risk of the equipment not being serviceable so a VVIP jet can be cleaned. Several projects around the region for similar type clients are in the making.

“We do also sell to regular airline customers”, says Lars Barsøe, Sale Manager at Vestergaard, “but for some reason we had a lot of success with the very elite of customers”.

Vestergaard also supplies water and toilet service units where we are present around the region. The water and toilet service units are produced in both in the main factory in Denmark and in Thailand in a “warm-weather” version of the Danish design. The Thai factory is a Vestergaard entity with the same quality as the products from Denmark, just closer to the markets and with no winterisation options.

N E W G S E P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H M I L O C O

AIRCRAFT WASHING BY VESTERGAARD

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Miloco teamed up with ONGROUND during the second half of 2014, and has designed and built industrial trailers for several generations. Over the years the company has grown from a family-run local business to an international brand name in aviation for non-motorised GSE.

Miloco’s expertise in engineering, the vast aviation experience, and highest standards in technology and quality place Miloco among the leaders in its market.

Thanks to its organisational structure and quick response times, Miloco defines itself not only as a manufacturer of standard GSE, but also for “made to measure” trailers of all sorts. The technical expertise, its Breton family legacy, and highest standards of efficiency and flexibility, enabling the company to find solutions for even the most challenging GSE requirements.

Always listening to market needs and in its constant pursuit of innovation, Miloco, in co-operation with ONGROUND, Go Aviation and Almadion, will be launching the JumboClean Aircraft Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Unit at the Dubai Airport Show on 10 May, 2015. This first of its kind standard GSE solution clearly fills a gap in the MRO and ground handling equipment market, and we very much look forward to the feedback from the aircraft appearance community visiting the Dubai Airport Show.

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T C R G O E S ‘ M E ’ W I T H O N G R O U N D TCR is the leading operational leasing company for ground support equipment in Europe where the group manages more than 20,000 pieces of airport equipment at over 70 airports. TCR recently strengthened its presence in the Middle East through a partnership with ONGROUND to ensure increased coverage in the region for second-hand ground support equipment.

After an initial rental period with a major ground handling company, the then second–hand GSE, maintained according to OEM’s recommendations, are available for worldwide supply. Equipment is always delivered in S.O.F. (Safe, Operational and Functional) condition, and can optionally be repainted, or technically upgraded to fully satisfy customer demand. Maintenance and refurbishment are carried out in the same workshops where TCR maintains its current GSE rental fleet.

Furthermore, pre-sales technical advice and consultancy, as well as after-sales on-site training and technical support, are available if and when needed, either through TCR engineers, or ONGROUND personnel. Sourcing second-hand ground support equipment through TCR is a proven, safe, fast and cost effective solution irrespective whether you need to increase, replace, back-up or build a GSE fleet. Our full list of equipment for sale is regularly updated on www.gseforsale.aero.

BRIDGE THE GAP! Many of our readers will be aware of the challenges associated with loading aircrafts in today’s operational, time-constrained environment. Due to safety requirements, some airlines are asking that belt loaders are no longer placed inside the doorway of the hold. Although keeping a distance solves several issues, others arise from it. Most notably, the gap left between the aircraft and the belt loader.

The Belt Loader Extension Ramp, or BLER for as it is known, introduced and engineered by Cirrus Services bridges this gap between the belt loader and the aircraft, all the while keeping personnel away from the moving parts, and ultimately being safer and better for the dead-load going on the aircraft.

The BLER was designed to help alleviate loading issues such as sore backs and pinch point areas of the belt loader, reduce the damage to any load and the damage to the aircraft caused by belt loaders. No more will you see any bags getting caught or falling to the ground in the gap left between the loader and the aircraft. If the agent in the hold gets behind, one bag will simply push the previous bag directly into the hold.

If you are asking yourself if it is safe to walk on, the answer is YES. In destructive testing this unit in the worst of circumstances was subjected to weights exceeding 1,000 pounds in three separate scenarios at NIAR (National Institute for Aviation Research) in Wichita, Kansas. In each test, the front plate that is composed of a ¾ inch (19 mm) ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plate, BLER failed to break in any way! A first batch of BLER trial units for the most common belt loader models in the region is expected to reach the Gulf during summer, and we look forward to running trials with them on your own fleet.

At this year’s Dubai Airport Show stand #6620, Vaculex will be introducing the latest addition to its range of vacuum lifters. The Ramp Loader ‘Vaculex BaggageLiftTM Ramp’ is aimed at assisting the baggage handlers with the loading and unloading of bags onto belt loaders, plane-side. This product enables Vaculex to offer yet another solution to the growing challenge of injuries caused by the manual handling of bags across the airport.

From chutes or laterals to arrivals belt and carousels, Vaculex has a flexible solution that can be easily designed into newly built, or retrofitted into existing facilities.

T H E U L T I M A T E B A G G A G E H A N D L I N G

FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION IN GSE

JMS AG of Germany, also known under the ‘Jet Maintenance & Service’ brand, this year celebrates its fifth anniversary. What began with a crazy idea by a group of GSE industry professionals back in 2010, has rapidly developed into a well-known brand-name in terms of ground handling and maintenance of commercial airliners, regional and business aircraft, as well as VVIP operations. Right from the start of the company, the team’s focus has always been on reducing the complexity of GSE by improving product performance, component weight and operator ergonomics – all embraced by the first and foremost goal of operator and aircraft safety.

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Vaculex has been designing and manufacturing vacuum lifters since 1986. The company’s focus is to develop and manufacture lifting solutions for industries with high demands on ergonomics, safety and efficiency.  With a motivated team of dedicated professionals, Vaculex offers turnkey solutions from concept design to installation and training.

Over the last ten years our aviation client base has grown to around 60 airports worldwide, utilising Vaculex equipment on a daily basis.

Airport Show visitors and delegates are welcome to visit Vaculex at stand #6620, to see live a demonstration of the products in operation, and to also try first-hand how easy it is to work with the Vaculex equipment.

This innovation has led to GSE such as tripod jacks with an auto-locking piston, small/light-weight aircraft axle jacks, tow-bars with multi–aircraft shear-pins, and countless more innovative products, in operation today with the world’s leading airlines, ground-handling operator and maintenance facilities. JMS is proud to mention that a great part of this success story is the result of the continuous trust by Middle East based customers in JMS’ solutions, including Emirates Airlines, dnata, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, JETEX and many more. Happy Birthday JMS!

Solely focusing on load banks, DEKAL operates in a small and distinct niche of aviation equipment, boasting a number of unique selling points including simple operation suitable for non-trained users, compatibility with both workshop and airside operation, and boxes for easy transportation – not to mention top European quality. As already proven with Etihad Engineering, Presidential Flight, dnata, Ethiopian Airlines and several other key customers, DEKAL’s lead times are short, and the company guarantees minimum stock levels for each load bank type in case of emergency supplies.

Providing digital resistive load banks handling GPU load tests up to 140 kVA on single output for all GPU types currently in the market, complementary 28 V DC are part of the growing product range; so are various plug testers and other testing devices.

L O A D B A N K S F O R M I D D L E E A S T & A F R I C A

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DEKAL is proud to be the preferred load bank supplier approved by Hitzinger, and all products are CE certified and carry a two year manufacturer warranty.  

With the recent delivery of the world’s first A380 capable towbarless tractor to Lufthansa LEOS in Frankfurt, Kalmar Motor AB, with its innovative approach to GSE solutions, can now offer its customers Hybrid or Electric drive options on its full range of towbarless tractors. Kalmar Motor’s design initiative is ‘creative simplicity’, so this, along with the selection of high quality components, the performance, durability and ease of operation, makes the TBL range the best value for money in the GSE market today.

The Kalmar Motor towbarless TBL50, TBL180, TBL190 and TBL800 handle aircraft for pushback, inter-gate towing and longer distance maintenance tows of sizes ranging from the Dash 8, right up to and including the Airbus A380, effectively and efficiently with no limitations.

In 2010, Kalmar Motor embarked on a journey to assist its customers to reduce emissions, increase operational profits, reduce maintenance expenses and once again improve the operational efficiency of the towbarless concept.

THE FUTURE OF PUSHBACKS HAS ARRIVED: HYBRID

Every hybrid TBL is equipped with re-generative systems and a back-up engine so charging the Lithium Ion batteries can be completed without the need for specific charging systems or parking areas. In addition, each Kalmar Motor Hybrid has a built-in charger with options for dual voltage charging.

Less fuel consumption, lower noise emissions and higher profitability with EcoDrive during long-hour operations, MULAG’s Comet 4, 6 and 8 cargo tractor models are now able to shift up an additional gear with the aid of an electronic controller to reduce the overall engine speed.

Green technology, a reduced carbon footprint, and environmental protection play an increasingly important role in many areas; often to meet legal compliance, or at a growing rate driven by green initiatives.

E C O D R I V E F O R M U L A G C A R G O T R A C T O R S

THE NEW ‘S’ POWER HAS LANDED! With the launch of the latest generation of S POWER converters, Hitzinger presents a ground-breaking new standard of ground power supply solutions for all types of aircraft whilst on the ground. Optimised voltage quality in combination with the highest level of supply security ensuring maximum serviceability, and simplified operation make the new S POWER a highly reliable unit meeting the highest of standards for many years to come. The Hitzinger S POWER Stack Technology combines active power factor correction with state-of-the-art inverter technology. The intelligent distribution of the individual stacks and the configuration of the S POWER unit guarantee highest efficiency for all load requirements, redundant operation in case of a stack failure, and the serviceability of individual stacks.

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By effectively reducing CO2 emissions of your fleet, MULAG can help you to make your own contribution. Thanks to MULAG’s new EcoDrive technology – with up to one ton less of CO2 per piece of equipment every year!

Noise protection relates to occupational health and safety, thus lower engine speed results in a significant reduction of noise levels exposed to the environment, plus of course the vehicle’s driver and passengers. Using MULAG’s EcoDrive technology, the equipment’s noise levels are reduced by up to 50%, greatly improving the comfort of operating the GSE, or being in its vicinity.

Higher economical efficiency is being achieved due to lower engine speed, and during the long-hour operations with the permitted maximum speed, fuel consumption can being reduced by up to an additional 4%.

Meet us at the Dubai Airport Show to learn more about MULAG’s cutting edge GSE technology!

S Power’s dynamic design reflects innovation and technological know-how, and combines the very latest in converter technology with a sleek modern look. The unit’s access area at the front is spacious and ergonomically optimised for easy handling by service personnel. The design is based on a combination of light-weight materials and the use of aluminium to eliminate corrosion. Remote maintenance access allows for easy visualisation and understanding of every important operational status and malfunction, with optional integration to third party maintenance or asset management systems. Active temperature monitoring and cooling management guarantee ground power even in extreme ambient temperatures. The touch screen of the control panel features intuitive user guidance, is easy to read even in bright light conditions, is dust and waterproof, and it is suitable for the most adverse apron or hangar conditions.

Hitzinger’s new S POWER is already in successful operation at one of the busiest airports in the UK, and in other parts of Europe and the Far East.    

The relationship of ONGROUND and dnata goes back almost a decade, and was further strengthened by the signing of a trial project between dnata’s marhaba lounges and ONGROUND’s GoSleep franchise last year.

November 2014 saw the go-live of a three month trial period of six Go Sleep sleeping pods at marhaba’s lounges at DXB’s Concourse A and B respectively. What started initially as a trial to test the waters for Go Sleep at Dubai International, has meanwhile been extended to a long-term partnership between both companies, with further sleeping pods potentially to be added as demand grows, and marhaba expands into additional airport lounges at DXB and beyond.

Unlike the soon to-be two GoSleep dedicated sleeping lounges at AUH, the pod-in-lounge concept for VIP lounges in the classic sense was a first for both marhaba and GoSleep. The pods at marhaba are being offered to walk-in lounge visitors only as a part of a new and value-adding lounge experience, but still the pay-by-the-hour concept applies at GoSleep’s standard UAE rates and as part of the marhaba lounge package.

SWEET DREAMS AT MARHABA’S DXB T3 LOUNGES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: GOSLEEP & ETIHAD AIRWAYS AT AUH

Early May saw the 1st Anniversary of GoSleep’s partnership with Etihad Airways, marking a successful year of co-operation at Abu Dhabi Airport. A long-term agreement was signed a year ago for GoSleep’s AUH T3 sleeping lounge to accommodate Etihad Airways’ Guests with long transits of ten or more hours. 20 GoSleep sleeping pods are currently available for the comfort of Etihad Airways’ economy class Guests, with additional units to go live once GoSleep’s second sleeping lounge facility opens at AUH by early June.

“Our partnership with Etihad Airways has turned into a strategic co-operation, with GoSleep having provided more than 50,000 pod hours to Etihad Airways’ Guests over the last 12 months”, says Geoff Carrier, GoSleep Operations Manager.

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“Customer feedback has been very positive since we launched the GoSleep concept at marhaba, and we look forward to a closer co-operation with the ONGROUND team in the future. Especially at an airport like Dubai International, GoSleep is the perfect complement to a classic lounge concept, further enhancing the world-class marhaba standards and services with the opportunity for our customers to catch a few hours of deep sleep” says Rehab Mansoor, marhaba’s Sales Manager, Commercial & Business Development.  

Geoff adds: “GoSleep clearly provides much deserved rest and comfort to Etihad Airways’ Guests and passengers of their partner airlines, and there is a lot of excitement in the air about the opening of our second sleeping lounge at the end of the month, featuring showers, changing facilities, aromatherapy, and a couple of further amenities still to be announced.

Thank you very much Etihad Airways for a great first year; we look forward to providing many more hours of sleep to your Guests in the future!

Due to the growing demand for GoSleep sleeping pods at Abu Dhabi’s Terminal 3, ONGROUND Hospitality proudly announces the launch of a 2nd dedicated sleeping lounge at AUH. Scheduled to go live by the end of May, the new lounge has been purpose-designed for maximum passenger comfort and privacy, including two shower rooms, a changing room and partitions. Total capacity will be 25 sleeping pods, three of which will be placed inside two closed ‘suites’, with work spaces for the business traveler, and a bassinet for families travelling with small children.

G O S L E E P x 2 + O 2 = T W O G O 2 S L E E P L O U N G E S

Early December marked a major milestone for ONGROUND with the arrival of Christian Ax as Director of Commercial Development for ICEBRIDGE for the Asia Pacific region. Chris is based in Dubai with a geographical focus from the Subcontinent in the West, via the classic Far Eastern region, all the way down to Australia and New Zealand. He is a seasoned catering professional with eight years experience at Gate Gourmet in Europe, and he is keen to turn what used to be an almost virgin territory into yet another ONGROUND-ICEBRIDGE success story. “Starting from an almost blank sheet in a region as exciting as APAC was a temptation I could not resist. Living in the Middle East, and spending half my time in the Far East, gives me the best of both worlds, and I am thrilled about extending the Helsinki-Dubai connection further East” says Chris.

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As another first at a Middle East airport, and subject to final Govt. approval, Oxygenbars ME will be launching their Oxygen Oasis adjacent to GoSleep’s reception counter. Already popular in the Far East, Europe and North America, the oxygen offering will further enhance GoSleep’s unique concept, soon making an AUH transit or departure even more relaxing and enjoyable.

And in our constant pursuit to enhance the lounge experience further for our customers, we will soon be launching a number of more ‘firsts’ in the Gulf region. Some of these include uniquely designed and GoSleep-branded neck pillows, and a very special ‘anti-Jetlag’ device available for rent or purchase as a merchandise item.

ICEBRIDGE’s on-board catering cooling solutions had their entry into MEA in 2013 with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both regional legacy carriers as well as LCCs. Several airline trials of ICEBRIDGE solutions have already proven successful, with one ground breaking announcement by a Middle East carrier just made a few days ago. ICEBRIDGE cooling solutions allow for on-board catering to be chilled or frozen for up to 20 hours – without the need for dry ice or electricity!

ICEBRIDGE LANDS IN AFRICA

Mid May 2015 will mark the first ever arrival of ICEBRIDGE’s airline on-board cooling solutions on the African continent, with a 3-in-1 order from a leading caterer in Southern Africa on behalf of its two largest airline customers. Coinciding with growing demand for ICEBRIDGE solutions in the rest of the world, this recent order from Africa clearly underlines the operational and commercial benefits of adopting the ICEBRIDGE approach and technologies.

This initial order will be used on the ground only, rather than in the air, for the food-safe transport and maintaining the cool chain of fully loaded Atlas oven racks and wet ice between the catering unit and the aircraft. Further ICEBRIDGE solutions are anticipated to be introduced in the future, also addressing the growing demand for on-board ice cream, wet ice optimisation, as well as a new pre-heated meal concept for a recently awarded airline contract to the catering company.  

ONGROUND’s marketing focus with ICEBRIDGE has recently been expanded to cover the entire Middle East/Africa region, and we look forward to increasing the ICEBRIDGE footprint further within our territory. Given the growth of the aviation industry within MEA, and our strategic location in Dubai, ONGROUND is perfectly places to support ICEBRIDGE’s fast growing expansion plans.  

For further information please visit www.gosleep.aero and www.oxygenbars-me.com respectively.

DUBAI AIRPORT SHOW 2015 PREVIEW

The Power Stow Rollertrack is a flexible extension built into the belt loader with the goal of helping the ground handlers load and unload baggage and cargo fast and efficiently, whilst improving working conditions for their loaders. Key competitive advantages includes faster turnaround times of up to 30%, reduced manpower by more than a third, and improved working conditions for the staff due to 50% fewer back and shoulder injuries!

2015 looks like another busy year for the market leader of Extendable Belt Loader systems, which is confirmed by an increasing demand for its unique and cost-effective baggage loading system, and most recently by new orders from KLM and Aviapartner. Both companies are existing and experienced users of the system, and Power Stow keeps proving its value as an indispensable tool in their operations day after day.

Power Stow has expanded its activities with a Middle East trial campaign launched with one of the large GCC ground handlers in 2014. After an initial successful test with very promising feedback, the demo unit will soon be made available at another major Gulf hub and then serve as the perfect opportunity for regional ground handlers to view and evaluate the functionalities and benefits of the Power Stow.

POWER STOW ON THE MOVE IN MEA

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With a stand size of 96 sqm, the Dubai Airport Show 2015 is going to be the biggest Middle East event ever for ONGROUND and our partners! Most of our on-board partners are familiar faces by now to the regular Airport Show visitors, but we are also welcoming two first-timers: Kalmar Motor and Alpha Sky.

Not new to the show, but new members of the ONGROUND family, we will be joined by both TCR and Miloco, two well–known and trusted brands in the ground handling business, plus of course Dekal Load Banks, Hitzinger, Icebridge, JMS, MULAG, Power Stow, Vaculex, Vestergaard and GoSleep.

Equipment to be exhibited on the stand includes Hitzinger’s new ‘S’ Power static converter, Dekal load banks, a JMS 60 ton axle jack, Vaculex’ vacuum lifter, and ONGROUND’s own JumboClean Aircraft Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner; the latter to be officially launched globally on the 10th of May, 2015. Our Oxygen Bar will be providing a breath of fresh air and a place to relax in between your meetings.

Go Aviation Middle East began its journey in the US and is currently spreading its footprint in the Gulf market. Go Aviation Middle East officially opened its headquarters in Dubai in 2013. “We adapt by balancing the ground time and the Summer scheduling of our crews to offer specialized services during summer as well,” says Dennis Cruz, President of the company.

Aircraft cleaning is one of your several functions, how is this segment doing and contributing to the top line of the company?

Aircraft cleaning is the vast majority of our business, but we have other functions such as engine/compressor washing, which is ramping up quite well.

RELYING ON EXPERTISE AND SPECIALISATION

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How do you see the competition and demand in the aircraft cleaning segment?

The Gulf market is the global hub for many different facets in aviation. Therefore, this creates a desire for competitors to enter the market. As aircraft orders are increasing in the Gulf market, the need for aircraft services businesses increases too. Our specialisation, expertise and experience enabled us to tap into the Gulf market. Moreover, it’s our compassion and pursuit of quality that adds value to our service. However, speed and expertise are main components of the cleaning. We respond within 60 minutes once our customer makes a call and we also take into consideration the ground time of the aircraft. 

How can professional cleaning reduce the downtime of the aircraft?

Utilising a professional and experienced aircraft cleaning company, like Go Aviation, can reduce the downtime of the aircraft because we are capable of turning the aircraft around with the required service, equipment and manpower.

How do you manage cleaning tasks during summer, particularly in the high temperature in the Gulf region?

The fortunate thing is that everyone in the market has to adapt. We adapt by balancing the ground time and the summer scheduling of our crews. Also, we make sure our crews are properly hydrated, rested and outfitted for the temperatures.

With the escalating costs, how do you manage pricing factors in the competitive cleaning market?

Escalating costs are definitely a factor, but we have shifted to looking at economies of scale for product ordering and how we schedule our operations. We source materials, chemicals and products in bulk orders to yield savings. We have open-relations with our clients about their budget and expectations so we can then customize our service accordingly.

Since you’re specialised in interior cleaning of aircraft, how do you see demand in this segment?

Interior cleaning is only one of our specialties. We provide both dry and wet carpet cleaning, deep cleaning and conditioning of leather seats and cockpit detailing to name a few other interior services. Being aircraft appearance specialists, we have found that all of our services are in demand for the interior and exterior of the aircraft.

Any expansion or diversification plan on the cards?

There are plenty of opportunities for expansion in the region and to service a broader market. We are weighing our options right now as we have new equipment in transit that will support our next station.

Dubai-based Almadion’s product portfolio covers multitude of applications including aviation cleaning solutions. “We see increasing demand for technology-enabled advanced solutions that reduce the downtime and sanitation of aircraft”, says Andreas Boessow, CEO and Managing Director, Almadion International LLC.

How is Almadion International doing in the market in general and Gulf in particular? What types of products are in great demand?  

We see the current market demand for industrial cleaning, for potable water tanks, piping system, cooling towers, heat exchangers, marine vessels and in offshore drilling platforms. The demand dynamics and market priorities will dictate Almadion’s future expansion plans. You have been in the UAE cleaning industry for over six years. How has been the journey so far?

HIGH DEMAND AT ALMADION

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Equipment to be exhibited on the stand include Hitzinger’s new ‘S’ Power static converter, Dekal load banks, a JMS 60 ton axle jack, Vaculex’ vacuum lifter, and ONGROUND’s own JumboClean Aircraft Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner: the latter to be officially launched globally on 10.05.2015. Our Oxygen Bar will be providing a breath of fresh air and a place to relax in between your meetings.

As a supplier of advanced cleaning technologies, Almadion’s current activities are broken down into 70 per cent in aviation serving the region’s major players in the commercial airlines, cargo and business jet sectors; 20 per cent in industrial market serving the leading soft and industrial services contractors and building management companies and 10 per cent in electronic payment terminal performance maintenance in the banking and mass transport system like Dubai Metro.

How do you see the competition and demand in the aircraft cleaning segment?

Almadion distinguishes itself from competition by providing products that are only of the highest quality standard, certified environmentally friendly, worker-safe and approved for the aviation industry.

With the escalating costs, how do you manage pricing factor in the competitive cleaning market?

Almadion’s business approach is unique in such that it treats each client as its partner and maintaining the relationship as an ongoing project, constantly looking for opportunities for customer benefit. One such benefit is keeping the prices down by arranging ex-factory direct-to-client shipment of goods, and signing guaranteed annual supply agreement, allowing Almadion to manage lower logistics costs. Savings are in turn shared with the client in terms of price discounts.

What measures does Almadion take for quicker interior cleaning and cockpit detailing?

Due to Bacoban’s, one of our products, effectiveness in guaranteeing long lasting protection, it has created a demand in aircraft cabin application, public areas, hospitals, clinics, restaurants, and similar establishments thus re-defining its market potential. Coincidentally Bacoban will also soon be introduced at the GoSleep lounges at Abu Dhabi airport.

Almadion is not only an important partner for ONGROUND, but also the contributor of the most effective cleaning detergents in the market for ONGROUND’s JumboClean aircraft appearance solution.

FAIRS & EVENTS 2015 World Trade Catering & Onboard Services EXPO 14 – 16 April 2015 Hamburg Messe, Germany Airport Show & Travel Catering EXPO 10 – 12 May 2015 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre United Arab Emirates inter airport Europe 6 – 9 October 2015 Munich Trade Fair Germany 17th Annual Ground Handling International Conference 16 – 19 November 2015 Paris, France

15 www.onground.aero | info@onground.aero  

THE FACE BEHIND GSE-MART.AERO Please meet Jim Brock, our UK based colleague, developer and Technical Support Manager for GSE-Mart.aero. An IT professional with over 25 years of experience, Jim has been involved with GSE-Mart.aero from the very first day, designing, developing and continuously enhancing the web’s largest B2B trading platform for both brand new and second-hand airport equipment.

Having worked remotely with international teams in Malaysia, India and China in the past, Jim’s UK base is no drawback to his teamwork with ONGROUND in Dubai whatsoever. And with most current and potential future GSE-Mart.aero users based outside the Middle East anyway, Jim’s Sussex office is considered to be ONGROUND’s northernmost outpost.

When not busy with GSE-Mart.aero, Jim keeps himself fit with karate; he holds a brown belt and regularly participates in international events.