In its Airport Technology division, the Goldhofer Group has bundled competencies deriving from more than 60 years devoted to the development and manufacture of special vehicles for airport logistics. A highly qualified workforce develops, produces and markets an extensive product and service portfolio to an uncompromising standard of quality. The bandwidth of transport solutions for apron logistics comprises the following:
• Cargo/pushback tractors
For baggage and cargo handling, airport operators worldwide rely on the »SHERPA« family of tow tractors. These diesel-powered or battery-powered tractors can tow loads of up to 80 tons and also handle pushbacks for business jets with an MTOW (maximum take-off weight) of up to 50 t. The user-friendly »SHERPA« range, with its wide choice of vehicle types, performance classes and cabin variants, plus standard operating system and modular vehicle concept, combines maximum safety with operator convenience and guarantees flexible and cost-effective day-to-day working in the hectic environment of a modern airport.
• Conventional aircraft tow tractors
With its conventional tow tractors, primarily from the »BISON« family, Goldhofer offers a generation of modular vehicles in both diesel- and battery-powered versions. Minimum maintenance requirements are the key to a low TCO. Depending on the model and performance rating, these tractors can handle a full range of aircraft up to 600 t MTOW.
• Towbarless aircraft tow tractors
With just two models, Goldhofer’s towbarless tow tractors can cover the entire range of aircraft up to 600 t MTOW, whether for long maintenance tows or simple pushbacks. The »PHOENIX« is the only tow tractor in the world that is compatible with over 70% of all types of aircraft in service worldwide. Even with low loads, the hydrostatic drive provides maximum traction and offers the highest level of safety for handling aircraft up to 352 t MTOW. With the »PHOENIX« E, the Goldhofer portfolio also includes a corresponding battery-powered variant with a modular battery concept and a capacity of 66-165 kWh.
• Aircraft recovery systems
At busy single-runway airports in particular, a fast and efficient response in emergencies is essential to keep runway closures as short as possible. Goldhofer’s recovery dollies and systems ensure that airports are able to quickly restore normal operations.
In addition to its innovative products, Goldhofer offers professional consulting services and an intelligent service portfolio consisting of a full range of services and training courses as well as software and predictive maintenance tools for individual vehicles. In close cooperation with customers, the Goldhofer team provides support throughout their projects, which are all targeted at the same outcome: value-oriented, innovative and efficient solutions for the airport apron. The focus is on individual customer configurations, concepts and solutions based on specific operational data.
Goldhofer is also a solution provider for sustainable ground handling thanks to its »IonMaster« Technology, a highly efficient 400/700 V lithium-ion technology. »IonMaster« is based on tried and tested technology from the commercial vehicle and automobile manufacturing industries. With its fast charging capability and active thermal management, the system is significantly superior to conventional e-mobility solutions in terms of performance and service life.
Goldhofer’s »IonMaster« is the answer to the growing demand for forward-looking, zero-emission drive solutions.