June 27, 2020
SAS has a long-term objective of creating growth for its owners while also, and in every respect, considering sustainable aspects. Therefore, this work is always based on three basic principles of social, environmental, and financial responsibility.
Vestergaard Company’s collaboration with SAS is long-standing. In fact, SAS became our very first ground-handling equipment customer when, in 1966, they contacted our company with the view to redesigning their aircraft deicers.
In recent years, SAS has joined the journey towards the sustainable development and optimisation of Vestergaard Company’s products. Most recently, in accordance with its ”No Touch Policy”, SAS decided to upgrade its eight Elephant® BETAs with radar sensors instead of the usual tusks.
SAS’ investment in an upgrade of its BETA deicers is made in connection with SAS taking delivery of a series of Airbus 350 long-distance aircraft which contain significantly more composite material than their other aircraft. One characteristic of composite material is that, after e.g. a collision, it returns to its original shape. This means that, afterwards, the damage is not visible from the outside. However, there is still a significant risk of internal damage and, thus, less structural integrity. Therefore, SAS wants to use radar sensors in the future to avoid touching the aircraft fuselage and wings and, thus, further increase air safety.
Tom Sørensen of SAS’ ground-handling department says: ”SAS chose to make this investment in air safety, and Vestergaard has provided a solution that means we can be entirely sure that we do not accidentally touch our aircraft with the deicers. This safety measure increases the safety of our staff and passengers while providing the company with security for the substantial investments in our new aircraft“.
