Air cargo company Challenge Group has introduced an exclusive engine dolly for the transport of aircraft engines at its airport hub in Liege, Belgium.
The specialised 13,800kg capacity dolly is designed to safely transport jet engines across the airport with shock-absorbing cushions to protect equipment from tarmac vibrations.
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David Canavan, Challenge Group’s chief operating officer, said: “This innovative engine dolly significantly enhances our operational capabilities, giving us a distinct edge over the competition.
“By ensuring the safe and efficient transport of aircraft engines directly from the offloading point to the aircraft door, we not only streamline our processes but also minimize risks.”
The company’s dolly is designed to be compatible with Rolls-Royce Trent engine models, specifically the 500 to 1000 engines, and has loading options for 16FT X-load, 20ft, and 10ft configurations.
The vehicle can also be used for non-engine related operations and is capable of handling RZX containers carrying lithographic machines for specialist manufacturer ASML.
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By GlobalDataChallenge Group’s launch of its dolly comes at a crucial time for the aircraft engine sector, which has been by widespread supply chain issues, leading high-profile companies such as Air New Zealand to report a direct impact on their operations, while Airbus cut its aircraft delivery outlook for 2024 as a result of engine shortages.
The need for greater care of aircraft engines was also recently highlighted by the mid-flight fire on a Cathay Pacific A350, later found to have been caused by a faulty fuel hose possibly damaged during the cleaning process on the affected Trent WXB-97 engines.
