Advanced technology and products to be showcased at Airport Show in Dubai

A ground-breaking environmentally-friendly system for providing preconditioned air to aircraft and a new range of passenger boarding bridges, designed to reduce ramp congestion and accidents at airports are among the vast array of products that will see their Middle East launch at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition, 7-9 June.

In confirming their participation at what has now emerged as one of the region’s premier airport supplier events, European manufacturers Cavotech Ground Support System and ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems said they hope their products will become a common sight at airports in the Middle East.

Representing a complete break from traditional methods, Cavotec’s new air supply system uses pressure to make air cooler. Generated in devices located within the concourse building, the compressed air is transferred directly under the aircraft through a network of underground cables.

“The technology currently used to cool-off airplanes before take-off uses auxiliary power units (APU), which burn off large amounts of jet fuel and generate a lot of air pollution,” said Thomas Widegren, Managing Director Cavotec Ground Support System.

“While authorities in Europe are now increasingly aware of the negative environmental impact of APU technology, its use is of particular concern for airports in the Middle East region, where the high summer temperatures mean even larger amounts of jet fuel are needed. As we do not use any fuel or gasses to compress air, our technology is much cleaner” he said.

The new air supply system can also help reduce operational and running costs. As the compressed air is transferred directly under the aircraft, there are no temperature losses, while the fact that the tarmac is free of hoses and cables lying around means reduced turnaround times, simple and low-cost civil works, low maintenance costs and reduced number of staff.

ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems will use the event to showcase a new range of passenger boarding bridges. Known as cantilever bridges, the new products are designed to free up space around the concourse, reduce ramp congestion and increase ramp safety.

With a reference list including more than 40 airports throughout Europe, as well as projects in Damascus, Cairo, Jeddah, Dammam, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, the company is the only manufacturer of cantilever bridges for the new A-380. Available in 2006, this new super jumbo aircraft will be a common sight at the Dubai International Airport with Emirates Airline recently having placed an order for 21 A-380 planes.

Cavotech Ground Support System and ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems are both represented in the Middle East by DTP Aviation, a Dubai-based company, which provides logistical and operational support to foreign manufacturers looking to penetrate the Middle East’s increasingly profitable airport supplies market.