As a prominent player in the aviation industry, Skytanking provides a comprehensive suite of services within a global network. Regional Vice President, Dave Powell, discusses how the company contributes to connectivity.
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS IN SKY SERVICES
The aviation industry is a vital and dynamic sector that significantly enhances worldwide connections and drives economic development.
It has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, which has been influenced by increasing air travel demand, technological advancements, and improved infrastructure.
Major hubs in regions such as North America and Europe play a crucial role in facilitating international air traffic, whilst emerging markets, particularly in Africa, are rapidly developing, resulting in new routes and better customer experiences.
Skytanking has been uniquely positioned in the aviation industry for 25 years. Owned by PrimeFlight, it specialises in the management and handling of aviation fuel and has become an essential part of the sector.
The company plays a significant role in a global network of businesses that provide aviation services to airports, carriers, and their passengers.
“The management and handling of aviation fuel is the backbone of Skytanking and provides a strong foothold in all our endeavours. Additionally, since 2023, we have complemented our fuel activity by building a robust European position in ground handling and cargo,” introduces Dave Powell, Regional Vice President.
With a commitment to meeting all the industry’s needs, Skytanking’s services include into-plane fuelling, ground handling, aviation fuel storage and hydrant management, fuel facility investment, and engineering services in support of its airline, airport, and oil customers.
PrimeFlight, meanwhile, has expanded its presence in the aviation sector as an integrated services provider. The company focuses on improving efficiencies for airlines and airports and has made a significant impact by helping Skytanking optimise its operations.
“Since PrimeFlight purchased Skytanking, the company has enjoyed rapid growth through strategic investment whilst maintaining its position and brand placement as the market leader in the sector,” he informs.
“Through this acquisition, we have also been able to reposition our offer to customers and partners through the direct expansion of ground handling activities in Europe, providing an integrated passenger, fuel, and ground operations service.”
INNOVATION IN AVIATION
A crucial sector for a plethora of worldwide industries, aviation supports international trade, tourism, and business.
As major US and European hubs support global air traffic and more African markets emerge, airlines are responding by launching new routes and improving customer experiences.
Equally, sustainability is increasingly important, with many aviation businesses investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative fuels to reduce their carbon footprint.
Despite challenges such as regulatory hurdles and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry’s recovery and ongoing investments promise a bright future focused on efficiency and connectivity in a globalised world.
Indeed, governments recognise the aviation sector’s potential for economic growth and job creation, resulting in efforts to improve regulatory environments and investments in aviation projects.
Moreover, advances in aircraft technology and eco-friendly practices are making air travel more accessible and sustainable.
Given the numerous opportunities arising alongside the ongoing transformation of the aviation industry, Powell finds it a technologically evolving field to work in.
“Recently, I have been asked to assist with managing our centralised IT and health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) departments, as we build our central services to support both our current sites and growth,” he reveals.
Powell is responsible for overseeing business and operational activities related to fuel operations in specific regions, including the UK and Ireland, the Nordics, Southern Europe, and Africa, where Skytanking has established plans for future expansion.
“One of the most interesting components of my role is the diversity of businesses I am exposed to and the people and cultures supporting them. It’s our staff who form our front line and passenger-facing experience, ensuring that quality and safety are an integral part of who we are and what we do,” he enthuses.
“The competitiveness of the sector provides a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, and our growth strategy creates a rich mix of new experiences whilst still being very close and connected to the everyday needs of customers in airport environments.”
STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICES
Skytanking utilises innovative and cutting-edge technologies and systems for its fuel management and logistics.
“Airport fuel management systems have historically been based on simple technology; however, in the last 10 or so years, with the availability of
web-based technology, the need for this man-power heavy activity to be more efficient, and the introduction
of new providers into the IT space have forced a considerable evolution in the technology used.”
Moreover, the company’s airline and fuel customers require real-time connectivity, facilitated by technological innovations in to-aircraft and from-airfield data capacity, where information has become commoditised.
“At Skytanking, we are actively working with our partners to improve the use of technologies whilst driving standards higher,” assures Powell.
Alongside emerging technologies, sustainability is sky-high on the company’s agenda, as well as implementing measures to minimise the environmental impact of fuel supply and storage.
“At the heart of all our activity is the need to provide safe operations whilst protecting the fuel quality we manage for our clients. This responsibility comes with the absolute need to protect our staff’s working environment and respect our surroundings,” he outlines.
“As legislation and standards improve awareness and ensure tighter controls on the use of fuels and the risks associated with their handling, we too need to move to ensure all our operational focus is in sync and driving to improve standards; it is what is expected of us from both the industry and our communities.”
INDUSTRY AGILITY
Skytanking provides professional services to a variety of airport capacities and sizes and has close relationships with both its fixed-base operator (FBO) in Scotland and its general aviation partners.
“The company’s experience and size allow it to enjoy market agility that others may be unable to match,” Powell prides.
“Over the past two years, we have enjoyed tremendous growth in new airports in cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town (South Africa) and Oslo (Norway). “We have also purchased various ground handling companies in the UK, providing a platform of experience in Scotland combined with new country entrances in Holland and Italy.”
Skytanking’s growth has been strengthened by its acquisitions, particularly of Airbase GSE with its ground support equipment (GSE) and Airworld Handling, which have enhanced its operational capabilities and market presence.
The purchase of Airbase GSE improves ground handling services and operational efficiency at key airports by providing air cargo unit load device (ULD) repair and logistics services, as well as cabin repair and maintenance services at London Heathrow Airport (UK) and Frankfurt Airport (Germany).
Airworld Handling, meanwhile, is a cargo and mail handler with a complementary border inspection post (BIP) business operating at London Heathrow Airport.
Both acquisitions signify Skytanking’s entrance into border and cargo security and ULD management, as they bring valuable expertise and connections that align with the company’s goals of expanding its service offerings and geographical range.
“Skytanking has a global reach when we include our PrimeFlight sites, with many services being offered to customers all around the world; we also have Engineering and Technical Services departments that provide clients specific professional assistance, even if we are not currently present in that particular country.
“We also have heritage regions in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg. In recent years, we have additionally expanded organically and inorganically in Australasia and are excited to build strong relations in the Middle East and Asia,” Powell concludes.
As the aviation industry advances, it presents a plethora of opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced service delivery, all contributing to a more interconnected world, and Skytanking is poised to be a key component of this evolution.
