One of the most difficult tasks is balancing a budget at a smaller municipal airport. Often the traffic is not as consistent, and it may be harder to predict flight volumes based on weather, seasons and other factors. However, these airports still need all the aviation ground support equipment needed to service these planes and to handle cargo and passengers.
The Purchase Issue
One option that smaller airports have for replacing or obtaining aviation ground support equipment is to purchase new equipment. Unfortunately, this can be cost prohibitive for a smaller airport, and it can be challenging to justify a large capital investment for some of the equipment that is less likely to be used on a regular basis.
The alternatives, and those that many smaller airports use frequently are to purchase used equipment from a larger airport or through an auction or even an online used equipment seller. The problems with these options are inherent in buying any used equipment, regardless of the source.
The biggest issue is the age of the equipment and the wear and tear already on the components. Most airports only sell equipment that is either costly to maintain, at or near the end of its lifecycle, or that may be outdated or out of safety compliance.
This can leave a smaller airport with considerable issues with ongoing repairs with used aviation ground support equipment. Additionally, in most small airports this repair work will be contracted, meaning costs for these services can really eat up the budget.
The Rental Solution
A more cost effective option for a smaller airport needing top quality aviation ground support equipment is to choose the rental solution. This allows the airport to have like-new equipment and their choice of models, sizes and features without the need for purchase.
The best rental companies offering aviation ground support equipment also provide full maintenance for the rental equipment during the terms of the rental, eliminating these cost factors and providing one easy line item for budgeting.
A hidden factor to consider with the rental of aviation ground support equipment is the ability for a smaller airport to try out different models, styles, brands and options in equipment over short or long durations. This allows you to know in advance the right models and options, and the correct and most versatile equipment to choose once you are in a position to make a purchase.
