EasyJet plc one of Europe’s leading short-haul airlines, has acquired a Jekko SPX1275 (7.5t) spider crane for the maintenance of its Airbus fleet. When replacing their Jones IF10, EasyJet wanted a more modern environmentally friendly crane with improved lifting capabilities, and the SPX1275 has proven a suitable replacement.
EasyJet has a fleet of 235 Airbus aircraft with the majority of its maintenance currently undertaken at the Luton, UK headquarters. To work on these aircraft the crane needed to be user friendly, with precise controls and excellent reliability. It will be used for lifting various aircraft components with weights of up to 7t and lift heights of over 20m using the optional lattice jib. The SPX1275 benefits from a small outrigger footprint and class leading pick and carry duties, allowing more flexibility during lifting operations.
The crane has been supplied from crane and access sales and rental specialists TCA Lifting. EasyJet looked at a number of cranes on the market but the SPX1275’s combination of impressive lift capacities; 7.5t on outriggers and 2t pick and carry, dual power (diesel + 380V AC) and 26m lift height gave them the all the necessary features to carry out all the required duties. In addition, it became clear during the trial of the crane that its user-friendly remote controls were ideal for allowing the operator to be perfectly positioned when lifting alongside the aircraft’ said Phil Lomax (TCA Lifting).
TCA Lifting is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of specialist cranes and access equipment. Its rental fleet comprises tracked and wheeled spider access platforms to 52m and spider/crawler cranes to 10t. The company sells equipment from world leading manufacturers and offers first class after sales training and service packages.