Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline with more than 40 aircraft, has improved its ground handling operations thanks to Power Stow Rollertrack Conveyors.

The introduction of the new conveyors follows the airline securing a new five-year contract with Royal Mail in 2022 to continue flying mail and parcels to and from the Highlands and Islands.

The Rollertrack extendable belt loaders, operating at Loganair’s stations in Aberdeen, Benbecula, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh, can optimise and speed up the handling process, provide better working conditions for ramp agents, and are more environmentally friendly.

To cope with the continued increase in mail volumes, four ATR72-500 freighter aircraft have been introduced with another on order to replace the airline’s Saab 340 freighters.

Maurice Boyle, chief operations officer for Loganair, said: “With the Power Stow units, we are seeing a big reduction in delays with the bulk loaded aircraft compared to when we were manual handling using conventional belt loaders.

“The investment is saving us time, saving on labour and it does exactly what it’s meant to do.

“The ATR carries double what a Saab carries and the distances in the hold are much greater. The handlers absolutely love the Power Stow product; it’s made their job easier, there is less risk of back injuries and there are several other human factor benefits as well.”

Electrification was high on Loganair’s priority when choosing the new equipment, with the option of electrical power opposed to diesel engines playing a key part in the decision making process.

Boyle added: “Loganair switched to battery power units because of the pollution and noise. With the electric belt loaders, the total noise reduction is significant. The operators’ feedback are really good and they particularly like the silent and fume free equipment.”