may2024 - 14

Cover Story
Mallaghan Expands into
the Belt Loader Market
Utilizing its patented lifting mechanism, the SkyBelt's boom moves vertically
without lateral movement to reduce the likelihood of aircraft damage.
BY JOSH SMITH
E
ffective baggage handling is
a fundamental element of
the passenger journey in air
travel. While passengers may only
be concerned with their luggage
arriving to their destination on
time and undamaged, airlines and
ground handlers must ensure baggage
is handled correctly, while navigating
numerous challenges in the
busy airport ramp environment.
To help overcome baggage handling
challenges and improve
safety on the ramp, officials at Mallaghan
gathered customer feedback
and incorporated this information
into the design of its recently
launched SkyBelt.
" At the request of one of our
global strategic partners, Mallaghan
entered the aircraft belt loader
market to bring our expertise and
innovative ideas into the sector, "
says Joe Griffith, chief commercial
officer at Mallaghan.
In addition to incorporating
electric tri-action drive control
programming, lithium-ion battery
technology and other operator
safety features into its belt
loader, Mallaghan engineers developed
a patented lifting mechanism
designed to improve operations
and mitigate potential damage to
the aircraft.
SkyBelt Development
The SkyBelt represents Mallaghan's
first fully electric standard belt
loader, expanding the company's line
of belt loading equipment that also
includes the extendable belt product,
the Bendibelt.
Key features of the SkyBelt were
designed to help overcome challenges
associated with working in confined
spaces, working within tight
turnaround timelines and performing
tasks in less-than-ideal ergonomic
positions.
" Of primary importance was engaging
with the customer and the operators
to understand the challenges they
faced and see what improvements
they wanted to see over their existing
equipment, " Griffith says. " This
engagement was important throughout
the whole design phase and right
through to the prototype testing. "
As a result, Mallaghan produced
a patented lifting mechanism and
sensors aimed at reducing the risk of
accidental damage to aircraft - the
greatest risk seen when ground support
equipment (GSE) approaches
the aircraft.
Utilizing the company's experience
and expertise with scissor lifts, Mallaghan's
conveyor lifting system allows
for vertical boom movement without
any lateral/traversing movement. This
14 || Ground Support Worldwide || May 2024
helps eliminate the risk of fuselage
contact and aircraft damage caused by
lateral boom movement.
" Our patented lifting mechanism
allows for the rear of the boom to be
raised without causing horizontal
movement at the front and risk of the
boom making contact with the fuselage, "
Griffith points out, adding operational
procedures are also improved
with this feature. " This was a key
requirement for our customers as
they see the lateral movement on
other belt loaders as being a significant
flaw in their design.
" They are overjoyed at this feature
of the SkyBelt. "
The SkyBelt's conveyor system is
complemented by Mallaghan's collision
avoidance system (CAS) and
auto-level functionality.
The auto-level system utilizes
precision sensor technology,
according to Griffith.
" Utilizing our experience from
being at the forefront of CAS development,
since its inception under AHM
913 in 2017, and coupled with the
latest 3D radar technology available,
we created a system that is unparalleled
in performance and reliability, "
Griffith adds. " The collision avoidance
system uses the most advanced
sensor technology that has only just
become available. "
may2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2024
