Southwest Switches to Rollastep Aviation Maintenance Platforms

Southwest is the top US airline carrier based on passenger count (2018 data), and it has come a long way since its first flight in 1971. The company has achieved this by focusing on low-fare, short-haul domestic flights. Southwest has also been successful by avoiding the hub-and-spoke system used by other airlines, which can result in higher costs and longer travel times. Instead, Southwest uses a point-to-point system that allows them to offer more direct flights. Their unparalleled strategy has made Southwest a favorite among business and leisure travelers. In addition to its focus on low fares and efficient operations, Southwest has also built a reputation for outstanding customer service. The airline is known for its friendly flight attendants and commitment to putting passengers first.

Southwest operates only using Boeing 737s. Because Boeing extensively uses Rollastep rolling mobile ladders and work platforms in their facilities, Southwest abandoned their in-house portable ladder builds for all their routine repairs and maintenance checks for all their aircraft. Southwest Airlines has been in the airline industry for over 50 years, constantly looking for ways to improve its operations. Southwest Airlines had seen Rollastep in action in Boeing’s facilities and was impressed by our customized mobile adjustable solutions’ quality, safety, and operator productivity.

Southwest previously built mobile work platforms to perform maintenance on their planes in-house. However, this was expensive and time-consuming, so Southwest sought a more customized, affordable, and permanent solution. Taking a cue from Boeing, Southwest decided to go with a leading safety access and fall protection equipment manufacturer that offered various products specifically designed for Southwest’s needs. Their ground support crew can now get the safety equipment they need at a fraction of the cost and time, and they can customize their products to match the specific heights of their fleet. Southwest resolved to switch to Rollastep because they knew it would help them save time and money while still providing their employees the highest level of safety.

Aside from mobile ladder platforms, many types of ground support equipment (GSE) are used in airports to assist with various tasks, from aircraft maintenance to loading and unloading luggage. With so many different roles GSE plays, it’s crucial to understand the main types of equipment employed to support aircraft. The most common types of GSE used at airports include:

• Aircraft ground power units: provide electricity to parked aircraft
• Air starters: help start the engines of larger aircraft
• Belt loaders: used to load and unload baggage from aircraft
• Boom lifts: used for a variety of tasks, including refueling and engine maintenance
• Cargo loaders: used to load and unload cargo from aircraft
• Deicing trucks: spray deicing fluid on a plane before takeoff
• Fuel trucks: refuel aircraft
• GPUs: provide ground power to parked aircraft
• Lavatory service trucks: refill water tanks and empty waste tanks on aircraft
• Water carts: provide water for a variety of purposes, including lavatory service and engine cooling

Aircraft maintenance platforms (sometimes called ‘scaffolds’) are specially designed for maintenance professionals to perform inspections and repairs on the aircraft. These stands come with a raised platform easily accessible by workers, and these have wheels for easy positioning and steps to reach the maintenance area. Aircraft maintenance stands are especially popular because they provide a secure site for workers to stand on while doing their tasks. In addition, these stands have handrails and guardrails installed as safety features that help to prevent accidents. Of course, there are also concerns about OSHA safety compliance on using ladders and always maintaining three points of contact to be safe.

A comprehensive understanding of the different types of GSE is essential for any airport looking to provide high-quality service. By knowing which equipment is needed for specific tasks, airports can ensure they have everything they need to keep operations running smoothly.

Commercial airlines must ensure the maintenance of their aircraft is up to scratch – not only for the safety of their crew and passengers but also to meet strict government regulations. That’s why we offer a wide range of custom-made platforms designed to meet the specific needs of your fleet. Whether you need simple single-deck stands or a complex multi-level platform, we can create a solution that meets your unique requirements. In addition to our custom capabilities, our products are built to meet the highest safety industry standards. So you can be confident that your crew and passengers are always safe when using our equipment. With Rollastep, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have world-class equipment that keeps your workers safe.

Rollastep is proud to partner with companies like Boeing, Southwest, and Gulfstream, such forward-thinking and innovative aviation companies. We look forward to helping them continue setting the airline industry standard. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain your fleet.