As the aviation industry soars to connect countries and passengers, sustainability and the environmental footprint become increasingly important. We are committed to support the aviation sector in the transition towards more sustainable practices through what is known in the industry as the “Four Pillars of Aviation Sustainability”.
(Image credits to IATA)
What are the 4 pillars of aviation sustainability?
The four pillars provide a strategic framework created by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and covers a broad range of efforts initiated to make the aviation industry carbon neutral and to decrease its contribution to global warming. Supporting the framework, our vision is to provide the industry with the cleanest, most reliable and most cost-efficient GSE systems available.
Technological Innovations
Advancements in technology is the first pillar and focuses on developing more efficient aircraft and propulsion systems, including the use of sustainable aviation fuels and exploring electric and hybrid-electric engines. Investing in cutting-edge technology means lowering the CO2 emissions and enhancing the overall efficiency of aviation operations.
At ITW GSE, and throughout ITW, we believe in customer-back innovation. We start with your needs and then engineer new ways to meet them. For airports around the world, this has provided cleaner and more reliable ground support systems that enhance customer satisfaction, improve workplace environments, reduce costs and lead to higher profits.
Aircraft operations
The second pillar is efficiency in aircraft operations. This includes more effective flight planning, better pilot training, and optimized in-flight procedures to minimize unnecessary fuel burn. At ITW GSE, our ground power and pre-conditioned air units are designed to support these operational efficiencies, reducing the carbon footprint when the aircraft is parked at the gate.
To ensure smooth operations 24/7, all our products are built on a common design platform and controlled via the easy-to-use ITW GSE icon-based operator interface. This reduces human error during operation and simplifies user training.
The modular design of our units also ensures you benefit from quick service and repair, while spare part commonality reduces your stock requirements.
We also believe that that the traditional way of thinking about GSE is past its prime. That is why we developed a whole new approach called EcoGate. Moving beyond individual units, EcoGate integrates GSE equipment into a system. An ecosystem, where new efficiencies emerge as units work together to share power and work smarter.
Infrastructure
Improving airport and air traffic management, infrastructure constitutes the third pillar. Enhanced airport designs and better airspace management can significantly decrease delays, leading to reduced fuel usage and emissions. Our solutions facilitate smoother operations on the ground, ensuring that aircraft spend less time on tarmacs and more time flying.
For example, we invented the ITW GSE Plug & Play system and the market’s only truly modular PCAs with easy-swap cooling modules. Likewise with the 2400 Power Coil, a converter and cable handling system as a single self-contained unit. And as more and more eGSE is finding its way onto the apron, we are also supporting the increasing needs for charging infrastructure with new charging solutions like the DC Charger or the Power Share which lets you charge your eGPU or other AC units with excess power from your 2400/2400 Power Coil or 3500 PCA without having to upgrade existing gate infrastructure.
Global Economic Measures
The final pillar involves the implementation of market-based measures to address the emissions that cannot be eliminated through technology and operational improvements alone. Initiatives like CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) play a crucial role here. ITW GSE supports these measures through innovations that complement global sustainability goals.
Start electrifying your fleet
One of the four pillars of aviation sustainability is ‘Aircraft Operations’, focusing on operations throughout the entire aviation sector and not just cleaner fuels and better onboard tech. For example, implementing electrical ground support equipment (eGSE) allows the aircraft to draw power from the airport’s power grid while they are on the ground instead of using fossil fuel driven ground support equipment.
Realizing this need, ITW GSE were the first to introduce battery-driven ground power units in 2017. Since 2021, we have offered a whole range of battery driven GPUs covering everything from small business jets to widebody aircraft and we have supplied over 500 units in airports all over the world.
In 2023, we completely discontinued all diesel equipment and now focus solely on supplying electric or battery-driven ground support equipment to support the transition to a more sustainably aviation industry.
Sustainability in the airline industry
At ITW GSE, we understand that to journey through the skies, we must take care of the planet. Our commitment to sustainable aviation is reflected in our continuous innovation in ground support equipment that meets the industry’s current and future needs. Together, with our partners and clients, we pave the way towards a more sustainable future, ensuring that the aviation industry continues to thrive without compromising the health of our planet, the passengers and the ground handlers.
Getting started electrifying your GSE fleet
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