Shannon airport deploys electric First-Mover vehicle handling unit
Shannon Airport has become the first airport in Ireland to deploy a First-Mover R-3500, a state-of-the-art electric vehicle-moving system designed to safely relocate both electric and conventional vehicles.
Originally developed to enable fire departments to safely combat EV fires, the unit is fully electric itself, remote operated and capable of lifting and transporting vehicles up to 3,500kg.
Electric vehicles cannot be towed or lifted in the same way as traditional cars due to the placement and sensitivity of batteries.
Half of Shannon Airport's fleet is now electric, and the First Mover addresses an essential operational need, allowing airport teams to remove disabled vehicles quickly, reducing disruption and maximising efficient airfield management.
“We’re delighted to be the first airport in the country to have a First-Mover on site and its really going to be a game changer in terms of maintaining a safe and efficient airfield," said Mark Browne, deputy chief officer of Airport Police Fire Service.
"With 24 electric vehicles, which is 50% of our total fleet and growing - we needed a safe, reliable, and sustainable way to move EVs without risking damage.
"This investment not only strengthens airside efficiency and safety but also improves the experience for our passengers should any incidents occur in our public car parks.”
The First‑Mover is a tracked unit mounted on a flatbed vehicle lifting device and operates without the need for a jack or manual processes.
The flatbed is pushed by the tracked unit under the vehicle, lifting it smoothly and, using the remote control, an operator can be at a safe distance of up to 100m from the unit while manoeuvring the lifted vehicle.
The introduction of the First Mover is another step in the Shannon Airport's sustainability journey.
The First-Mover R-3500 at Shannon Airport.
The group recently achieved Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation and won two prestigious Green Awards (Green Large Organisation of the Year and Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year).
The company is about to commence a €15m upgrade of the terminal building designed to improve energy efficiency and support a move away from fossil fuel systems.
Photo: Mark Browne. (Pic: Supplied)
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