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Keeping clean
Aviator took the decision to focus
even more on this important area
as a separate business section, and
so implemented a strategy for the
introduction of equipment to new
markets and countries.
If you are a carrier and you are seeking greater efficiencies, coupled with
lower fuel costs, then the answer may lie in aircraft cleaning, writes the Editor. Latest developments
lthough every year we write One answer lies in the established The big advance insofar as the Dino is
about aircraft washing, I remain and reliable Nordic Dino, which, thanks concerned has been that of wireless
unconvinced that this side of to its high level of automation, provides operation, which was introduced during
an airline’s operation is particularly well a more efficient washing programme. 2014 and is now standard on all new
documented. I see nothing in print about Many airlines should be able to achieve equipment. In connection with this,
it – and the subject never seems to crop a quick return on investment with this an upgrade kit to wireless operation is
up in the course of discussion. Is this application, not only through shorter available for most models now, allowing
facility widely practised? I think that we washing times and reduced man hours pre-existing users to adopt the benefits
would all like to know; after all, a cleaner but also thanks to reduced fuel costs of this technology. In addition, the
aircraft brings with it a slicker operation. that come in the wake (literally) of engine compartment now benefits from
Minimising ground time for exterior reduced drag following a frequent and a completely new design, which has had
washing remains a top priority for those efficient washing programme. the effect of significantly reducing the
who do get involved in this aspect of Aviator is the company that designed heat build-up in this compartment.
a carrier’s operation. To that end, any and developed the Nordic Dino aircraft Perhaps most telling of all is the
degree of automation is welcome. washing system, remarkably more than equipment’s performance. A Boeing
Manual and traditional washing 30 years ago – and it continues to 777 can now be washed in under two
requires a lengthy “blocking out” time successfully develop and manufacture hours whilst the giant A380 requires
for the aircraft in question and this the product today. about 3.5 hours. It should be noted
represents an inconvenience for the Currently there are three versions that this includes the manual parts and
planning and technical staff; above and available. The Nordic Dino II, which areas that still have to be completed
beyond all this, there is also an economic was designed for narrow bodies, has a by conventional methods. Clearly,
factor. Many airlines are blocking out washing reach of 8.5 metres, and so can this represents a massive saving when
their aircraft for a full night, just for easily wash up to B757 sized aircraft. compared to traditional labour and time-
washing, when the aircraft could be The Nordic Dino 777 was introduced intensive methods.
available for maintenance work or even in 1997: this has an effective washing The adoption of such technology
be ready for aircraft operation after reach of 11 metres, with a capacity to paves the way for earlier access to
just three or four hours. So what is the wash aircraft such as the B777, the the aircraft for maintenance or other
solution? A330 and the B747. Out of this comes ground activities. Needless to say, the
intensive manual work is dramatically
reduced, which is good news for the
workplace from an environmental health
perspective. Manpower savings ought
to provide a rapid return on investment
and the earlier-mentioned fuel efficiency
benefits gained from reduced drag helps
to make the equation more palatable
from a financial and environmental
A unique approach to aircraft cleaning The machine can also be remote controlled perspective.
DOUGLAS
Recently Acquired By
AIRCRAFT HANDLING
SOLUTIONS
Towbarless and Conventional
Tractors for handling all
aircraft sizes from A380
to regional aircraft.
T: + 44 (0)1242 531201
www.douglas-equipment.com