b'AERO BridgeWorks Inc. was the prime general contractor for the project. 54 DTW GROUND SUPPORTCommonality Breeds FamiliarityTraining ramp personnel on the new equipment is easier as all the units for Concourse A are now the same. Additionally, the new units produce lower emissions and less noise. With fewer workers and carts on the ramp, service activities are logically safer and more efficient, which can lead to quicker turnaround times. Rocha explains that installing the same equipment with the same control panel adds to the efficiency because once personnel know how to use one control panel, they can operate ancillary products.stakeholders and Operations staff along with AERO BridgeWorksTally adds that this commonality of equipment facilitates Inc., which served as a prime general contractor and performedon-time departures and arrivals, which is key. The GSE teams several installations. When the airport elected to upsize some ofon the ground really like the new units as theyre much more its GPUs and PCA units to accommodate larger aircraft, thesestreamlined, with fewer buttons, and easier to use, says Tally. meetings were crucial for making the upgrades without impactingITW has given us great training and we have their onsite, third-the project schedule. party commissioning team that is local. If there are ever any From August 2023 to February 2024, AERO BridgeWorksissues, they are deployed within the same day, which is great. installed 23 new GPUs and 23 PCA units in Concourse A of the McNamara Terminal, which stretches for nearly a full mile, makingBy the Numbersit the longest airport concourse in the U.S. and the second- So, what are the specific financial and environmental impacts of longest in the world.DTWs recent conversion?In May 2025, the company began installing the remaining According to the DTE Rebate team, the airports rebate will 38 PCA units and 38 GPUs, with completion expected income in 2026 with an estimated savings of $100,000. Tally February 2026. highlights the projected reduction of criteria pollutant emissions, including more than 126.6 tons of nitrogen oxides, 21 tons of volatile organic compounds, 306.9 tons of carbon dioxide and 26.8 tons of particulate matter, over the 20-year lifespan of the electric units.What also saves a lot of money is that Delta does not have to run their APUs on the planes, which is a huge savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars, she adds. As of October 2023when DTW was just getting started with its electric ground support transitionVALE grants have funded 141 projects at 58 airports. In total, these projects are expected to reduce ozone emissions by 1,768 tons per year for the next five years, which is the equivalent to removing 98,700 cars and trucks off the road each year.Its TimeTally notes that DTW and the Airport Authority are always looking for ways to keep customers happy and comfortable throughout their airport experience. A champion of further ramp electrification, she says, I think thats really the way to go. It makes the environment cleaner, it enhances the passenger experience and thats really what were here for is to ensure a smooth transition from when you park your car, check in, to when you get on that bridgethats really the portal to leave the terminal, so we really want to have a good feel for when you leave.Given the environmental benefits and potential to reduce wait times for ground support staff, passengers and airlines alike, it seems now is the time for more ramp electrification at DTW. January | February 2026AirportImprovement.com'