Honeywell and Pinnacle collaborate on the ‘connected ramp’

PAR003_OE@heg.com — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:04:21 GMT

Co-operation between the two partners involving telematics and GSE ramp management software has created a solution – GoDirect Ground – that can provide airlines and ground handlers with real-time insights into vehicle activity anywhere on an airport

Pinnacle has a 15-year of history of research and development as well as the provision of telematics systems for GSE , while US manufacturing and software giant Honeywell had previously developed a group of connected services it calls GoDirect. The two companies have combined their expertise in Honeywell ’s new GoDirect Ground product.

GoDirect Ground allows ramp operators to better connect their GSE operations, resulting in better on-time performance, lower maintenance costs and greater fuel efficiency.

GSE vehicles equipped with telematics hardware transmit data into advanced software that then gives airlines and ground handlers real-time, operational data, providing what Honeywell describes as “real-time insights into vehicle use and maintenance requirements”, as well as exact locations of ongoing ramp operations.

“The ability to provide ramp operators with connected services combined with telematics creates a new connected ramp reality that addresses one of the last untapped areas in the aerospace industry,” opines Kristin Slyker, vice president, connected aircraft, at Honeywell Aerospace .

“We’re ready to implement this new approach today for any customer ready to improve safety and operational efficiency on the ramp – from the moment an aircraft lands until that same aircraft is airborne again.”

The new connected ramp solution is said to be able to offer customers: an up to 15% reduction in maintenance costs; a 10 to 45% reduction in the cost of damage to GSE due to improved safety in operations (such as, for example, less speeding), location awareness and improved knowledge on vehicle status (for example, ensuring that stairs are locked in place); and an up to five-minute reduction in average aircraft turnaround times.

Slyker talked to Airside about the genesis of the collaboration between the two companies. “ Honeywell and Pinnacle had been in discussions for over a year, getting to know each other’s capabilities and understanding how we can partner together creating value to our customers.

“ Pinnacle has a field-proven technology and a history of high quality and robust equipment integration,” she notes. “Customers will benefit from Honeywell and Pinnacle ’s complementary product portfolio. Honeywell ’s Connected Aircraft product portfolio and Pinnacle ’s ground experience combine to create a seamlessly integrated ground-based solution to improve all aspects of aircraft ground handling.”

pinnacle-plus-ltd

Honeywell and Pinnacle collaborate on the ‘connected ramp’

Co-operation between the two partners involving telematics and GSE ramp management software has created a solution – GoDirect Ground – that can provide airlines and ground handlers with real-time insights into vehicle activity anywhere on an airport