Honeywell Aerospace has signed an agreement with global telematics company Pinnacle to expand its GoDirect connected services to the ground.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will link an airport’s ramp service into one single, managed solution that delivers airlines and ground handlers with insights into vehicle activity in real-time across the airport.

“We’re ready to implement this new approach today for any customer ready to improve safety and operational efficiency on the ramp — from the moment an aircraft lands until that same aircraft is airborne again.”

A connected ramp solution from Honeywell and Pinnacle enables airlines and airports to increase safety and efficiency while improving on-time performance, lowering maintenance costs and increasing fuel efficiency.

From the ground vehicles, Telematics hardware transmits data that is received by the advanced software that provides actionable data to airlines and ground handlers.

The combined connectivity and telematics offers real-time insights into vehicle use and maintenance requirements, in addition to exact locations of all ramp operations.

Honeywell Aerospace Connected Aircraft vice-president Kristin Slyker said: “The ability to provide ramp operators with connected services combined with telematics creates a new connected ramp reality that addresses one of the last untapped areas in the aerospace industry.

“We’re ready to implement this new approach today for any customer ready to improve safety and operational efficiency on the ramp — from the moment an aircraft lands until that same aircraft is airborne again.”

Honeywell and Pinnacle’s connected ramp solution could decrease maintenance costs by up to 15% due to reduced vehicle requirements.

Furthermore, a 10% to 45% reduction could be achieved in the cost of damage due to improved safety adherence, location awareness, vehicle status; and up to a five-minute reduction in average aircraft turnaround time.