Economy Forcing FBOs to Reassess Equipment Needs

A year ago FBOs were sitting pretty. Corporate aircraft traffic was cruising and not a cloud marred the bright blue skies. The future looked bright for FBO owners. Of course, that was before the economy went into free fall, pulling the airline industry and FBOs along with it into a downward spiral. Now a good month sees a 3% decline in FBO traffic with many bases experiencing monthly declines of 20% and more. The key to FBO survival is finding ways to do more with less.

Wisely chosen ground equipment can help FBOs cut costs and maximize use of the smaller workforces mandated by slack customer traffic. Preference should be given to aircraft tow equipment that combines universal use with versatility:

Aircraft tow equipment that allows a single worker to move heavy aircraft that would otherwise require the muscle of two or more workers.
Ergonomically-designed aircraft tugs that allow any worker, no matter his/her size or strength, to safely maneuver aircraft. Because ergonomic tug equipment is designed to accommodate any worker, maximum use can be made of smaller workforces, allowing FBO management to make more effective use of available workers.
Ergonomically-designed aircraft towing equipment significantly decreases risk of injury from pushing and pulling heavy aircraft, making it safe enough for customers to use. Offering customers more self-serve services is one way to cut FBO costs.
Versatile aircraft tow equipment that can easily accommodate aircraft of various configurations maximizes equipment use while minimizing cost. For example, Lindy’s aircraft tug work great on tail dragger aircraft and several models accommodate aircraft with and without wheel pants. Employing versatile equipment decreases equipment costs.
Compact aircraft tractors like Lindy’s walk-behind aircraft tugs require minimal storage space.
A green alternative to gas-powered tugs, quiet, energy-efficient, battery-operated aircraft tows decrease fuel consumption and expenditures.