Terminal velocity

Auckland Airport's commitment to sustainability extended to the type of moving walk specified. The moving walks supplied and installed by Schindler Lifts are designed to provide power savings by automatically adjusting to the traffic flows in the building.

Schindler Lifts NZ product line manager John McGinley says the moving walks are particularly appropriate for an airport where the traffic flows change constantly due to the varying frequency of aircraft arrivals and departures.

"On detection of approaching passengers, the units start automatically, slowly ramping up to full speed. When no passengers are detected for two minutes, the units switch to a slower speed to save power. If no more passengers are detected after a further two minutes, the units will stop and go into a stand-by mode. This provides significant power savings over units that are constantly running. The timing of the operation modes is fully adjustable to cater to all situations."

John McGinley says the moving walks, manufactured in the Schindler Escalator Factory in Vienna, Austria, are the first of their type in New Zealand. The units were assembled entirely in situ, with very little pre-assembly work carried out in the factory.

"A specialist field expert from Vienna helped to train the local installation field staff. He also returned at the end of the project to help commission the moving walks and to provide training on maintenance."

Schindler Lifts NZ supplied all the vertical and horizontal transportation systems for the new arrivals area and Pier B. In addition to the seven moving walks, there are four lifts and two escalators in the arrivals area and Pier B.

For further information, contact Schindler Lifts NZ, PO Box 724, Auckland, phone (09) 353 7539, fax (09) 353 7501. Website: www.schindler.com.

Story by: Trendsideas