Cavotec wins more major airport equipment orders

Cavotec’s airports unit manufactures a wide variety of systems that seek to make airports more efficient and more environmentally sustainable. 

The bulk of the new orders, worth a total of around 3 million Euros (NZ$5.38 million), are for Cavotec’s in-ground systems that emerge from the tarmac or hanger floor to supply aircraft with air, water, fuel, and power.

Once servicing is complete, the systems retract flush with the ground.  Other ground support equipment supplied by Cavotec includes aircraft tow bars, equipment connectors, cable coilers and caddies.

The largest order is for fuelling equipment at the new Diagne International Airport, near the Senegalese capital Dakar, which is expected to handle some three million passengers a year. 

Cavotec CEO, Ottonel Popesco, says the order is a considerable achievement because it’s the first fully integrated fuel system supplied by Cavotec Middle East in cooperation with partners.

“Crucially, Cavotec has been awarded this contract through Saudi company, Isam Kabbani and Co, a sub-contractor of SBG, one of the most important contractors in the region.  This is Cavotec’s first project reference with SBG, and the first order of this scale for us in the African airports market.

“We are seeing continued opportunities in the Middle East, and we are also looking to expand in India’s growing airport sector,” says Mr Popesco.

He says an example of growing potential in India is typified by Cavotec’s recent order for fuelling equipment at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, as part of the airport’s modernisation programme. 

The terminal will have one gate configured to receive the A380 aircraft and a further two gates will be readily adaptable for the A380.  Due to open in 2013, the airport will handle 40 million passengers when fully operational.

“This project is a major breakthrough for Cavotec in India, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation with this customer, and to providing expert training and support.”

The company has also received ground support equipment orders for airports in France, Luxembourg, Algeria, Qatar and Guinea, West Africa.  Another recent success was the Group’s first order for ground support systems in Argentina at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport.

“The technical and geographical scope of these projects illustrate how Cavotec works with a diverse range of partners to develop solutions that help our clients improve efficiency, operate more sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint,” says Mr Popesco.