At the prestigious GSE Expo Europe, DOLL Airport Equipment GmbH proudly unveiled the world’s first two all-electric highloaders for catering services to aircraft. As global climate action intensifies, airports are increasingly striving to reduce their carbon footprints, and DOLL’s innovation marks a significant step toward realizing these goals. By being the only company to offer an emission-free highloader superstructure for aircraft handling, DOLL has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable ground support equipment.
The premiere showcased two all-electric highloaders developed in collaboration with renowned electric truck manufacturers Volvo and Mercedes. These vehicles, consisting of the Mercedes eEconic and Volvo FLE models, are now ready for series production. Both have been sold to major customers—KLM and Vienna Airport—setting an example for airports aiming to achieve net zero emissions.
DOLL’s Managing Director, Renato Ramella, emphasized the importance of this unveiling: “Through cooperation with leading electric truck manufacturers, we are able to offer our customers a 100% emission-free vehicle that is fully operational and ready for series production. Presenting these first production-ready units at such an important trade fair for aircraft logistics is a special coup.”
Leading the Charge in Green Airport Operations
As airports around the world commit to net zero strategies, a shift towards emission-free vehicle fleets has become essential. DOLL’s cutting-edge highloaders are designed to operate entirely without emissions, thanks to their integration with electric trucks from Volvo and Mercedes. The Mercedes eEconic two-axle electric truck, which has already proven its capabilities in municipal waste management, will now enter service at Vienna Airport, while the Volvo FLE highloader is set to operate at KLM in the Netherlands.
The vehicles are not prototypes; they represent fully developed, production-ready units. DOLL’s innovation goes beyond just vehicle design—real-time integration and collaboration with customers in Austria and the Netherlands ensure that valuable operational insights are continuously incorporated into the fine-tuning of these electric highloaders.
Smart Assistance Systems for Precision and Safety
DOLL’s highloaders are equipped with state-of-the-art intelligent assistance systems, designed to enhance both safety and efficiency on the airfield. With a 3D sensor system, the vehicles can automatically brake when approaching within 0.5 meters of an object, preventing collisions. A 3D camera provides the driver with real-time feedback on the vehicle’s distance from the aircraft, ensuring precise positioning. Additionally, the smart system offers the driver constant visibility of all critical areas, such as supports and scissor lifts, preventing operational errors and reducing turnaround times.
The driver’s experience is further enhanced with the ‘DOLL OCS’ control and operating system, accessible via a 7-inch display in the cab or control panel in the cargo area. Key Account Manager Pierre Marx notes, “Our system allows any driver to operate our vehicles safely, even in stressful situations.” For those seeking even greater functionality, an optional 12-inch ‘Vision X’ display provides a 360-degree view and offers short instructional videos on vehicle operation.
Pioneering a Sustainable Future
With the launch of its all-electric highloaders, DOLL Airport Equipment GmbH is not only advancing technological innovation in airport logistics but is also supporting the aviation industry’s drive toward sustainability. These electric highloaders mark a new era in aircraft handling, paving the way for airports worldwide to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, DOLL’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency makes it a key player in the future of green airport logistics.
SOURCE: DOLL Airport Equipment
