East Midlands Airport Prepares for Winter with New Snowploughs Naming Opportunity
East Midlands Airport is gearing up for the winter season with the introduction of a new fleet of snowploughs. This initiative is part of a broader £120 million investment aimed at enhancing airport operations. The airport has previously relied on an aging fleet that was reaching the end of its useful life.
New Fleet of Snow Clearing Vehicles
The new fleet features six Schmidt Compact Jet Sweepers. When deployed together, these snowploughs can clear the runway in just 24 minutes, efficiently managing an area of 130,000 square meters. Additionally, the fleet includes a snow-cutter blower capable of moving up to 5,000 tonnes of snow per hour.
Commitment to Sustainability
In line with East Midlands Airport’s commitment to sustainability, the new winter fleet will operate on vegetable oil-based biodiesel. This eco-friendly fuel choice can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 90%. The airport is working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2038, and this investment reflects that goal.
Training and Operations
Employees are currently undergoing training on the new equipment as part of the Winter Operations Plan. Over 80 staff members from the Airport Fire department and the Airfield Operations team are integral to this effort. They collaborate with additional personnel across 14 teams, along with airlines and external contractors, ensuring readiness for winter weather conditions.
Snowplough Naming Competition
In a fun community engagement initiative, East Midlands Airport is inviting local children to suggest names for three snowploughs and the snow-cutter blower. Previous naming competitions for road gritters yielded entertaining names such as Gritney Spears and Brad Grit. The airport aims to replicate that creativity.
- Entries can be submitted through an online form.
- Required information includes the child’s name, age, guardian’s name, and phone number.
- The competition closes at 9 a.m. on Monday, December 15.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Each winner, including three submissions from airport staff, will see their chosen names displayed on the snowploughs. Furthermore, they will be invited, along with a parent or guardian, to a special event at the airport on Tuesday, December 30.
All winners will receive a family ticket to visit the Lanterns of the Wild event at Twycross Zoo, featuring over a mile of dazzling lantern displays. East Midlands Airport’s Operations Director, Lauren Turner, stated the importance of efficient snow clearing for airport safety. She expressed enthusiasm not only for the operational improvements but also for the fun aspect of the naming competition.
