IVECO’s Eurocargo is a “runway” success for Worldwide Flight Services

Thursday 31st May 2018

Worldwide Flight Services has taken delivery of 12 new 18-tonne IVECO Eurocargo trucks to spearhead its ground handling operations at Heathrow – the second busiest airport in the world.

Ronnie Roberts, Transport and Logistics Manager for the firm’s Heathrow operation, cites the unrivalled versatility of the Eurocargo chassis as one of the main reasons for the order.

He says: “With the stop-start nature of the work we do, our drivers are in and out of the vehicles all the time. We need cabs offering easy access, and the fact the Eurocargo has been set up for multi-drop work means it’s perfect for our operation.

“The design of the interior also allows drivers to easily access the cab from either side, saving them time and making their jobs a lot safer. This is particularly beneficial airside, where tight turnaround times mean there is often a hive of activity around an aircraft waiting to depart.

“These new vehicles have impressed quickly, and we’re confident we’ll be replacing more of the fleet with Eurocargos built to this same specification.”

IVECO’S patented HI-SCR technology was another major factor in Worldwide Flight Services choosing the Eurocargo. The HI-SCR single anti-emission system utilises passive regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and requires neither driver involvement nor downtime from active regeneration.

It enables unrestricted access to sensitive environments like airports and tunnels where the high temperatures caused by active regeneration can pose a significant risk and result in application restrictions for operators.

The system is efficient, lightweight and simple – helping to deliver savings in fuel consumption – and uses fewer components than rival systems, reducing the need for replacement parts.

Roberts adds: “Airports are under constant pressure to be greener and these vehicles help us do our bit by improving efficiency and cutting emissions.”

Supplied by IVECO Retail in Hayes, each Eurocargo (180E25) is powered by a 6.7-litre, Tector 7 engine that produces 250 hp at 2,500 rev/min and 850Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,050 rev/min.

The trucks have been mounted with a specialised flatbed body built by AMSS, which has impact-resistant rollers to provide greater protection to air freight during the loading and unloading process. In operation up to 24/7, 365 days a year, they join a 54-strong fleet of which 16 are IVECOs.

All maintenance work will be carried out at the local IVECO dealership, located just seven miles away, on a five-year IVECO Elements repair and maintenance package which has been structured to maximise vehicle performance and uptime.

Worldwide Flight Services operates across four cargo warehouse facilities at Heathrow Airport, handling 12 international airlines. The company provides cargo, passenger, premium, ramp and technical services in more than 198 locations, across 23 countries and on five continents.