Leading airport ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturer, Mallaghan, has designed, developed, and introduced the SkyBelt, a highly capable, new conventional belt loader that capitalises on decades of experience and intense research and development efforts with key global partners.
Mallaghan’s decision to develop a new belt loader was motivated by a commitment to addressing longstanding industry challenges and providing airlines with more efficient, reliable, and sustainable ground handling solutions.
The Mallaghan SkyBelt, which will be manufactured in Mallaghan’s factories in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, and Atlanta, GA, is an aircraft baggage loader solution representing a significant advancement in the innovation of GSE.
With a patented lifting system and a comprehensive array of advanced sensor systems, this new product greatly reduces the risk of accidental damage to aircraft during ground handling.
The SkyBelt’s unique lifting system allows for vertical boom movement without any unintended lateral/transverse movement. This provides the SkyBelt with a distinct advantage when compared to other designs, where lateral boom movement creates the risk of fuselage contact and also adds unnecessary difficulty to the operational procedure.
In addition to this feature, the SkyBelt’s innovative auto-raise function prevents contact with the aircraft during loading or unloading. Its automatic height adjustment system also allows for automated boom movement and tracking to the aircraft bin floor level as the aircraft height changes during unloading. These safety functions are enabled without any special operator input or monitoring.
The electric belt loader also offers extended run hours, remote diagnostic capabilities, and has undergone rigorous testing, allowing it to truly stand out within the market.
Alex Blench, General Manager of GSE Central Services at Delta Air Lines, said:
“Mallaghan came to the table with solutions to long-standing problems and delivered on every single aspect of the design.
“What the team put together is certainly class leading – it’s a game changer”.
Mallaghan’s engineering team coupled a fully electrified propulsion system with powerful lithium-ion batteries, highlighting the company’s dedication to innovation and emphasising its superior quality and reliability.
Relying upon stringent manufacturing processes and a steadfast focus on design robustness, Mallaghan successfully brings products to market to help airlines meet their net zero GSE operation goals.
Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer at Mallaghan said:
“Mallaghan is privileged and honoured to have worked closely with technical experts and airport operations stakeholders at Delta Air Lines for a number of years. By listening to our customers, we were able to refine the Skybelt to perfectly match the needs of ramp operation and produce a robust, reliable solution.
“Our innovative SkyBelt will deliver several key benefits to customers, including reducing instances of aircraft damage, savings in on-going maintenance costs, and most significantly, enhancing their sustainability credentials at a time when the industry is putting a collective focus on responsible business.
“This highly anticipated belt loader will become a mainstay of the US aviation industry and is being deployed already, including at large US airports like SEA, LAX, and LGA with other significant deployments planned. We hope to continue to drive industry-wide transformation through the design and delivery of innovative, future-proofed equipment to our network of valued customers and partners.”
The Mallaghan SkyBelt has a modular robust chassis design, an AC traction motor with integrated electric park brake coupled to rear axle differential, whilst offering clients the option to choose from a range of additional features, including a Collision Avoidance System, collapsible/fixed handrails and package rails, and more.
Significant investments towards continuous Research & Development have allowed Mallaghan to design and manufacture several native electric products including Catering Trucks and Passenger Stairs, and the company has ambitious plans to develop a fully electric portfolio by 2025.
The fully electric belt loader forms a key part of Mallaghan’s commitment to promoting sustainability and achieving industry-wide environmental targets. Deliveries began in 2023 and orders are currently running into 2025.
Mallaghan offers unparalleled after sales support to ensure customer training, equipment commissioning, parts availability, and in-service reliability exceeds all expectations.
