easyJet has extended its contract with RushliftRushlift GSE has won a 56-month extension to its ground services equipment (GSE) contract with Europe’s leading short-haul airline, easyJet.
The new multi-million pound deal continues an existing five-year agreement with Rushlift GSE to supply, manage and maintain easyJet’s ground-handling fleet at London’s Gatwick Airport.
Over 570 ground support assets will be managed by Rushlift GSE under a progressive program of innovation and equipment enhancement, which includes an ongoing transition from diesel to electric vehicles.
Rushlift GSE will supply, maintain and support a wide variety of vehicles of different manufacture, along with related handling equipment – from TLD push-back tugs, TBL tractors, electric baggage tugs and baggage carts, to steps, low loaders, belt loaders, ground power units and vans.
During the course of 2022, Rushlift supplied easyJet with over 100 additional items of GSE.
All vehicles will be regularly serviced under a set maintenance regime, with fast, on-site breakdown response and support.
In line with the expansion of Rushlift GSE’s Gatwick operations, the business has opened a new 36,000 sqft. (3,350 sqm) service centre and workshop close to the airside access gates.
In 2017, easyJet took the unprecedented step of deciding to lease ground support equipment directly, through Rushlift GSE, and bring in contractors that would supply labour resources only. This was a radical move and a first for the sector. The initiative was recognised at the 2018 International Airport Review Awards, taking the trophy for Airside Operations.