One-stop GSE provider presents the must-have aircraft tow tractor.

»PHOENIX« takes the aviation world by storm: At Inter Airport Europe in Munich, Goldhofer and Schopf, as the leading one-stop GSE provider, make a big splash with their latest innovation – the »PHOENIX« high-speed aircraft tow tractor. The »PHOENIX« is based on a completely new compact modular vehicle design concept and combines minimum fuel consumption with an unbeatable price-performance ratio. That makes the »PHOENIX« the new benchmark in the field of airport technology. In addition to this world first, Goldhofer and Schopf had other highlights on show in Munich, including the F110e and the STT military tow tractor, and several more innovative transport solutions in the field of ground support equipment (GSE).

“With our highly innovative »PHOENIX«, we have really hit the nail on the head. Our new aircraft tractor was the number-one talking point at the trade show, and the contracts signed for advance orders reached double figures. The »PHOENIX« has the flexibility to handle 80 percent of all operational aircraft, which makes it a must-have for every airport. Our other products, like the STT and the F110e, also met with a fantastic response, says a very pleased Stefan Fuchs, CEO of Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft.

The attention-grabbing »PHOENIX« is the first joint product of Goldhofer and Schopf design engineering. Their latest innovation, representing a new compact modular vehicle concept, meets all the requirements of a modern aircraft tractor. One special feature is the hydrostatically powered steering drive axle, which provides maximum traction even under low loads. Thanks to the new brake system, which has TÜV certification, and an improved differential lock, the »PHOENIX« guarantees safe and reliable operations in all weathers. The raised cab offers excellent all-round vision for maximum safety for man and machine. The new high-speed towing aircraft tractor from Goldhofer and Schopf is compliant with all international emission codes up to Tier III or Tier IVf and boasts a convincing combination of low fuel consumption and outstanding price-performance ratio.

“With the »PHOENIX«, we have landed a winner. It shows that cooperation between Goldhofer and Schopf is producing excellent results. The success of our joint development work proves that we are pursuing a common goal: further consolidation of our leading market position as a global player through groundbreaking innovation. We achieved that and more at Inter Airport Europe in Munich with the »PHOENIX« aircraft tractor,” says Thomas Kramer, Sales Director Airport Technology at Goldhofer.

The other highlights at the Goldhofer-Schopf stand included the F110e electric aircraft tractor and the STT military tow tractor. F110 is the biggest-selling aircraft tow tractor in the world and has been available in an all-electric version, the F110e, since 2009. With the F110e, Schopf has an emission-free workhorse for aircraft handling, making it a particularly environment-friendly solution.

Originally developed by Schopf as a military tow tractor, the STT also cuts a good figure in the field of civil aviation. For small airports especially, the STT is an attractive choice. At the Munich trade show, Goldhofer and Schopf also presented the AST-1X, the latest version of the F396, the F70 and the ZH5 hybrid tow tractor for moving freight and baggage with trailer loads of up 50 tons.