february2021 - 37

PRODUCT PROFILE

to armed forces bases, airplane manufacturing facilities to major airports, " Johnson says.
Lately, Stinar's customer-base is migrating towards FBOs and government purchases, according to Johnson.
Johnson says customers must keep in mind geographic location,
climate and traffic volume before making a purchasing decision.
" The biggest [consideration] of course is volume and type of aircraft.
What accommodations do they have to offer? You need to get people on
and off the aircraft in a safe and efficient manner. So yes, purchasers
evaluate a multitude of variables when it comes to making a purchasing
decision, " says Johnson.
Customers in colder climates have access to winterization packages
for the SPS-3518.
" We offer a full winterization package on all our units, " explains
Johnson. " We have found that mother nature is always unpredictable
and a lot of times these units may change locations because of
key factors in a customer's operation. So, having a standard winterization package on the SPS-3518 assures our
customers that if it gets cold, the hydraulic tank heater,
transmission and engine block heater along with all the
other features to our winterization package will keep
their unit performing even in the harshest conditions. "
Stinar provides maintenance schedules and full
operational manuals with their stair units to help
customers get the most out of a purchase. Johnson says following maintenance guidelines
will increase the longevity of the passenger
stairs while the operational manuals help
customers educate their staff on how to
safely use the equipment.
" A full operational manual is
provided in a weather-proof
case, along with a digital version, which is standard now
on all Stinar units
and each new unit

comes with enhanced training as well, " Johnson says. " We will provide training, both in-person and through operational videos so that
our customers can educate their staff on the proper ways to operate
all Stinar units. "
The company also makes it a point to listen to user feedback when
making updates to keep their customers satisfied with the product.
" All these years this unit has been in service has given us tremendous
knowledge and feedback from our customers. Durability, reliability,
simplicity of use, customer service support, maintenance manuals
and onsite training have all been a topic for discussion. They speak
and we listen and over the years have taken their requests and made
standard, " says Johnson.
Changes to the SPS-3518's design, since its inception 43 years ago,
have relieved stress factors on certain areas, enhancing the durability
of the product. Stinar has also improved hydraulic systems, electrical
configurations and added safety valves to make the stairs more reliable.
Some optional features are available, Johnson notes. These include
custom colors and decals, choice of chassis and an option of diesel
or gasoline.
Johnson says reorders prove that customers trust the SPS-3518 unit.
" One of the strongest forms of feedback we have seen is reorders,
which speak for themselves. The continued improvement our customers notice from their first stair until to their last, the consistency
they have come to expect goes a long way with most and they will
absolutely voice their opinions in an industry like this if something
is not to par, " says Johnson.
Stinar plans to continue updating the SPS-3518 moving forward.
" Updates are still continuously in the works for the stair trucks:
improvements in efficiency, safety and manufacturing are things we
never stop updating and improving on. One of the biggest updates
we have coming is a complete electrical chassis unit, " Johnson says,
adding that Stinar hopes to roll out the first electric chassis units in
the fourth quarter of 2021.
Johnson is certain Stinar will be able to satisfy the needs of the
aviation sector as the industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.
" We are actively building units now with the goal to have equipment
on the ground with immediate delivery. Low lead times, reliability
and consistency will keep our stair truck in the forefront of ground
support, " he says. " When the industry rebounds, and it's going to
in a big way, people are going to want to get out and about again.
When it does, we will be there to provide new units, help support
and maintain current units and all Stinar units for that matter in
the field today. "

FEBRUARY 2021

AviationPros.com

http://www.AviationPros.com

february2021

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