The UK’s second largest airport serving 43 million passengers a year, London Gatwick handles around 200 destinations worldwide and is known for its efficiency as the world's most efficient single-runway airport.
The Airport has a ten-year sustainability program in place with goals set to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. As part of this initiative, all 300 diesel vehicles, 85% of London Gatwick’s fleet, are now powered by HVO until they are retired from use. They will then be replaced by electric vehicles as part of the airport’s sustainability policy, Decade of Change.
New eSwingos to tackle airside and landside sweeping
Aligning with its sustainability policy, London Gatwick has now replaced its HVO powered Schmidt Swingos, which had been in operation since 2014, with the latest electric models - all three of which have been specified with Aebi Schmidt’s IntelliOPS smart cloud-based telematics system.
The system allows for live monitoring of equipment and assets on a map, a live overview of on-going operations, including the battery state of charge and service interval data.
The Schmidt eSwingo 200+ is compact in size but big on performance, designed for sweeping in tight spaces and low-clearance environments. With a spacious air-conditioned cabin and selectable two/four-wheel steering, the nimble nature of the machine allows it to reach all areas with operator confidence and ease.
From an operastional point of view, the eSwingo offers an impressive 75kW battery combined with a 2m³ hopper, enabling up to 10 hours work without recharging.
Stuart Miller, London Gatwick Transport Engineering Manager, who was part of the team responsible for sourcing the new electric sweepers, commented:
"We were very happy with the impact of our all-electric Swingos and, with many of the controls the same, it has been an easy transition to the electric model for the operational team. The eSwingos have integrated seamlessly into our operations here at London Gatwick and we have only had positive comments from our operators.
With future electric plans within our roadmap to 2030, we are adding multiple vehicle charge points across the airport, including a recent installation at the airport operations building, which have supported the implementation of the all-electric eSwingos.
For our operation, we are using one eSwingo landside to sweep the terminal approach roads and car parks, and two eSwingos airside to sweep the apron, stands and road network, crucially, to ensure they are FOD-free.
Aebi Schmidt’s IntelliOPS service platform offers us greater oversight and a visible record of where we have swept, when and for how long, and all future equipment will also be specified with it."
Support, training and back-up played key role
In addition to the green credentials and outstanding performance of the eSwingos, another factor which supported in the decision to go with Aebi Schmidt was the aftersales support offered alongside training options for both operators and technical team members including ‘train-the-trainer’.
"We have had an excellent relationship with Aebi Schmidt going back over 20 years and, as well as outstanding equipment, they provide valued technical advice and support. Their expertise and ability to discuss our requirements in detail has allowed us to make an informed decision to continue our work with them", said Miller.
David Harvey, Airport Sales Manager at Aebi Schmidt, added: "We are delighted to be supporting London Gatwick Airport with its innovation and sustainability goals, and are proud to see the eSwingos performing their duties to keep the airport clean, tidy and FOD-free.
We look forward to helping Gatwick in its sustainability program further in the coming months with the addition of new, clean equipment to help achieve its environmental goals."
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