25 May 2006
DNATA Vehicle Used At Historic Heathrow Debut
A Dnata Airbus A380-compatible towbarless aircraft pushback and towing
vehicle was used during the historic first UK landing of the new superjumbo at
London's Heathrow Airport last week.
The Douglas TBL600 tractor used in the A380's VIP Heathrow debut is one
of an initial batch ordered by Dnata, ground handling operator at Dubai
International Airport, and part of the Emirates Group, which includes
Emirates Airline.
It was diverted from delivery to Dubai to take part in the A380 event,
attended by Chancellor Gordon Brown and other UK government officials,
which tested Heathrow's ground handling facilities for the giant
aircraft.
Manufactured by Douglas Equipment (UK) in collaboration with Dnata and
Airbus, the TBL600 is the first towbarless pushback and towing vehicle
designed to handle the A380, which can weigh up to 600 tonnes fully
loaded.
The technologically-advanced TBL600 was first used by Dnata during the
visit of an A380 in Emirates livery to the 2005 Dubai Airshow. It is
already in service at Dubai and will be used for the A380 in 2007, when
Emirates is expected to take delivery of the first of its 45 superjumbos
on order.
Dnata collaborated with Douglas Equipment and Airbus in the vehicle's
development, using its experience and expertise in ground support
equipment operation and maintenance.
The TBL600 is powered by a Cummins QSK19 engine that can produce the 750
bhp required to handle the additional weight of the A380. It
incorporates an automatic
four-wheel drive system specifically designed for A380 operations, and
is also capable of handling aircraft sizes from the Boeing 767 to the
larger Airbus 340s and Boeing 747s.
In Dubai, it joins Dnata's existing fleet of 11 TBL400s, a smaller
version which can handle aircraft sizes up to the Boeing 747.
Dnata's Dubai Airport Operations provides reliable, efficient and
cost-effective passenger, cargo, ramp and technical support services
with the help of skilled professionals, a fleet of specialised vehicles,
and highly specialised and advanced IT systems.
Certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001
(Environment Management System), AHS 1000 and IATA AHM 804, Dnata
Airport Operations is an industry pioneer of innovation and service
excellence, and has established a global benchmark in ground handling
services.
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