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28 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE MARCH 2016 PRODUCT PROFILE The group is testing more electric-pow- ered devices in Minneapolis-St. Paul, gauging performance and reliability in the sub-zero climate. Between ATL and MSP almost 20 percent of ground equipment has transitioned to more environmentally friendly electric models, with more than 2,000 electric-powered devices now oper- ating system-wide. "There's a great environmental, reliability and cost beneft to converting existing equip- ment from dirtier and less-effcient diesel to electricity," said Fuqua. "We'll continue to make prudent investments in conver- sions where it makes sense to do it and to the beneft of the airline and Delta people." Delta continues to exceed increasingly stringent California emissions regulations by introducing cleaner burning vehicles as well as electric equipment in all markets Delta and Delta Connection partners operate. As the new Salt Lake City terminal is built, Delta will introduce electric equipment in that station with several other major airports receiving similar fuel-effcient, reduced-emissions vehicles. The team also worked in select stations to convert traditional diesel deice trucks to cleaner, renewable biodiesel and added three LAX-based plug-in Porsche E Hybrid vehi- cles. The entirePorsche feet is also managed by Delta's GSE asset team. Additional hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are expected in Seattle in the future. A mobile resource While much of the department's focus is built on improving utilization and reliability of existing GSE, technology enhancements in both aircraft and ground equipment require the team to be nimble and innovative in their approach to equipment feet strategy. The GSE asset team works to source new equipment within network requirements— tow bars matched with aircraft type, for example—and moving existing equipment around the system. When Delta opened seasonal operations in Juneau, the GSE asset team worked to ship tugs, tow bars, belt loaders and other equipment into position in time for the air- line's frst arrival into the city, which lacks roads linking it to the rest of the state or neighboring Canada. Newer items are often moved to more remote stations like Hono- lulu and Anchorage where they will stay for good due to high shipping costs and limited availability of replacement parts. "It's a well-coordinated dance to make sure we have the right equipment where the network and operation demands it," Fuqua said. "With seasonal markets, though it poses a challenge, we're often able to maneuver equipment from one station to another without having to source and purchase new GSE which is a more sensible use of the airline's capital." Delta also invests annually to purchase new equipment, replacing aging ground equipment to serve new aircraft like the Airbus A350—due to join the feet in 2017— and for that, the airline works cross-divi- sionally with TechOps, Airport Customer Service and Cargo to source the right equip- ment for the job. "You can't fuel airplanes, load them with customers, baggage and cargo, de-ice them or push them out of the gate without the help of the equipment assets we acquire and maintain," said Brooks. "GSE is vitally important to an airline's operation." This article originally appeared on the Delta News Hub at news.delta.com. AviationPros.com/10017697 Between ATL and MSP, almost 20 percent of Delta's GSE has transitioned to more environmentally friendly electric models.