EQUIPPED FOR THE FUTURE: EFM GMBH AND GOLDHOFER SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN ZERO-EMISSION GROUND SUPPORT

Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft and EFM GmbH recently signed a major framework agreement at Goldhofer’s headquarters in Memmingen. The subject of the agreement is the delivery of 14 ultra-modern Goldhofer »PHOENIX« E battery-powered aircraft tractors by 2028, thus heralding a new era in zero-emission ground support at Munich Airport.

Memmingen-based Goldhofer AG has an impressive track record in the manufacture of heavy-duty and special transport vehicles and ground support equipment and is well known for the innovative solutions developed by its Airport Technology division. With a strong focus on the design and engineering of both conventional and towbarless aircraft tractors, aircraft recovery systems, and cargo and baggage and tractors, Goldhofer regularly sets new standards in ground support.

Since its foundation in 1992, EFM GmbH, a specialist in aircraft marshaling, deicing and air conditioning, has become a pioneer in the field of zero-emission ground support. With a team of over 150 operative employees, EFM moves more than 200,000 aircraft and performs up to 15,000 deicing operations every year, always to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

The contract signing ceremony was attended by EFM’s Managing Director Jörg Abel, CFO Dirk Eichhorn and CTO Bernhard Stelzle, while Goldhofer AG was represented by CEO Matthias Ruppel, Stavros Hatziioannou, Vice President Sales and Service, und Peter Potthast, Area Sales Manager. The framework agreement further strengthens a longstanding and forward-looking partnership.

EFM’s Managing Director Jörg Abel says, “This latest investment in Goldhofer equipment is a further milestone for future-proof ground handling by EFM GmbH at Munich Airport. As a pioneer in the field of zero-emission ground support, our goal is to make ground support fit for a sustainable future. Goldhofer’s »PHOENIX« E tractors make a valuable contribution to our endeavor and will help us achieve our vision of a green future.”

Matthias Ruppel emphasized the significance of the 14 towbarless aircraft tractors ordered for Munich: “Collaboration with EFM GmbH underscores our position as a technology leader in the field of e-mobility. We are proud to be making a decisive contribution to zero-emission ground support with our »PHOENIX« E tractors and thus leading the way into a sustainable future.”

Goldhofer’s »PHOENIX« E is a technological masterpiece that has met with great enthusiasm in the industry for years. With a range of battery configurations and a powerful drive system, the»PHOENIX« E provides instant torque availability, which is essential for precise and efficient aircraft marshaling. The battery technology used in the »PHOENIX« E s designed for a long service life and high cycling stability, which means that the batteries retain a high percentage of nominal capacity even after multiple charging cycles.

The Goldhofer active thermal management system incorporated in the »PHOENIX« E optimizes energy consumption and maximizes range, with energy recuperation via the regenerative braking process. The »PHOENIX« E is unique in terms of efficiency and minimized operating costs. It also features the »LINK« telemetry system, which provides continuous monitoring of the vehicle systems and facilitates preventive maintenance measures.

The robust engineering that has gone into the »PHOENIX« E is the key to outstanding reliability, even under the demanding conditions of the airport environment. With a unique and intuitive user interface and ergonomic design, the »PHOENIX« E combines advanced technology with easy handling.