Reliable transport of freight and baggage

Passenger numbers for European and intercontinental air travel are slowly returning to pre-COVID levels, and according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo volume is expected to grow by approximately 2.6 percent this year. This makes it even more important for logistics managers at airports to ensure that ground transportation processes are perfectly coordinated. Linde MH offers one of the broadest portfolios on the market, with vehicle models suited for a variety of ground handling scenarios, from last-minute baggage transport to a waiting aircraft to the handling of bulky and heavy cargo items. “High vehicle availability is essential in ground handling, where time is a critical factor,” says Russell Parker, Managing Director of SM Rental, a Linde MH subsidiary specialized in airports. It is also important that the vehicles can be tailored to the specific needs of airport operators. “Linde MH meets these requirements with robust, high-performance vehicles that can also be individually customized thanks to a wide range of models, equipment variants and options,” adds his colleague Marc Castro, Senior Strategy and Portfolio Manager Warehouse Trucks. Another key asset is Linde MH’s extensive service network, which offers high service quality and fast response times. This creates a one-stop shop solution for logistics managers at airlines, cargo and baggage handling companies and airport operators. “We’re confident that this will be very well received by trade visitors at the GSE Expo ,” says Marc Castro.

In addition to having a reliable fleet of vehicles, transparency is becoming an increasingly important issue. Access to and analysis of data are essential to improving operational efficiency. To this end, Linde MH has launched its web-based customer portal myLinde. It allows operators to clearly and easily manage, control, and digitally analyze their vehicle fleet. The application also optimizes battery charging management and enables data-driven improvements in operational safety. “With myLinde, you can see which vehicle is currently in use, where each vehicle is located, and the battery charge status of each vehicle – all of which is clearly displayed on a dashboard,” explains Portfolio Manager Castro.

Comfortable, agile and powerful: Linde MH’s “airport fleet”

The vehicles on display at the trade show include:

• Automated Linde P 120 tow tractor for cargo and baggage transport
  As in other fields, there are clearly defined tasks in airport environments that lend themselves well to standardization. For example, there are baggage cart convoys that repeatedly travel the same route between two points. The automated electric tow tractors Linde P120 to P350 with up to 35 of towing capacities, as well as the appropriate safety and navigation technologies, could be the ideal solution for such operations.

The automated tow tractors Linde P120 to P350 move luggage and heavy cargo with a towing capacity of up to 35 metric tons along predefined routes. | Photo: Filmflow.de

The automated tow tractors Linde P120 to P350 move luggage and heavy cargo with a towing capacity of up to 35 metric tons along predefined routes. | Photo: Filmflow.de

• Linde Xi-Roadster for enhanced safety through an unobstructed view
  This electric forklift was designed to provide the driver with excellent all-round visibility forward and overhead: It has no A-pillars, a low-set windshield, an optional armored glass panoramic roof, and slim lift mast profiles. The integrated lithium-ion battery and a load capacity of up to two tons make it the ideal choice for maneuvering operations at the edge of the runway and in a wide variety of warehouse areas. Additionally, the comfortable, ergonomic workstation supports the driver and reduces physical strain.

Whether loading and unloading aircraft or transporting palletized goods, the Linde Xi-Roadster’s distinctive design with eliminated A-pillars gives the operator nearly unrestricted all-around visibility. | Photo: Linde Material Handling GmbH

Whether loading and unloading aircraft or transporting palletized goods, the Linde Xi-Roadster’s distinctive design with eliminated A-pillars gives the operator nearly unrestricted all-around visibility. | Photo: Linde Material Handling GmbH

• Linde W20 platform truck: An all-around performer for loads up to 2 tons of suitcases in the rear cage
  The compact, powerful electric transporter has a tight turning radius for precise maneuvering in confined spaces. With a load capacity of up to 2 tons, the Linde W20 is ideal for quickly transporting last-minute baggage to the plane. A version with a load capacity of up to 3 tons is also available, both models have a towing capacity of 6 tons.

The right vehicle for every need

The vehicles on display at the GSE Expo only represent a small part of Linde’s entire portfolio. The automated tow tractors are complemented by the manually operated Linde P120 to P350 tow tractor series. They can be used flexibly, are equipped with powerful electric motors and are designed to handle heavy trailer combinations with agility. Three independent braking systems ensure the safe, efficient movement of baggage carts or unit load devices between the terminal and the aircraft.

All Linde vehicle models can be powered by lead-acid or Li-ION batteries. “Our customers can choose from a wide range of options. The Li-ION batteries and corresponding chargers are manufactured in-house,” says Marc Castro. “We also have a solution for recycling Li-ION batteries. That, too, is part of our one-stop shop approach.”