• Delport Airport Services Brings Efficient Aircraft Movement to India

 By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 04 December 2024. In a world increasingly driven by efficiency and sustainability, Mototok is emerging as an innovator in the aviation and defence sectors. Represented in India by Delport Airport Services India Private Limited, this German-engineered solution is redefining how aircraft are manoeuvred, thanks to its compact, all-electric pushback tractors. Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) sat down with Rakesh Arora, who represents Mototok in the Indian subcontinent, to discuss their vision, achievements, and plans for the future.

ADU. So, we are meeting here at Indi airport. Can you introduce your company?

Rakesh Arora. Absolutely. I’m representing Mototok in the Indian subcontinent through our company, Delport Airport Services India Private Limited. Mototok specializes in electric pushback tractors, which are much smaller—about one-fourth the size of traditional tractors. Our machines carry the aircraft’s nose wheel and utilize its weight on the traction motors for movement.

ADU. How established is Mototok in the Indian market?

Rakesh Arora. We’re still in the early stages. We’ve supplied a few machines to MROs like GMR Aerotech in Hyderabad and another in Bangalore. In the civil aviation space, we have a unit at Jaipur Airport. However, our primary focus has been on defence, with machines operational on INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, and some destroyers with the Indian Navy.

ADU. What makes your machines ideal for MRO operations?

Rakesh Arora. Their compact size and efficiency. Unlike conventional tractors, our machines can easily manouver aircraft into tight spaces, making them invaluable for MROs where space is often limited.

ADU. How are you marketing these machines to the MRO industry?

Rakesh Arora. Surprisingly, we haven’t done much active marketing. The machines speak for themselves. MROs approach us based on their performance.

ADU. Are the machines entirely manufactured in Germany?

Rakesh Arora. Currently, yes. However, we plan to assemble 50% of the components in India in the future. We’re exploring locations for a final assembly line, most likely in the NCR region, as the machines don’t require much space.

ADU. Can these machines handle helicopters and smaller general aviation aircraft?

Rakesh Arora. Absolutely. Any aircraft with a nose wheel can be pushed using our machines. We also have a variant called Helimoto, designed for helicopters with skids. However, skid helicopters are rare these days, especially in India, where most defence and commercial helicopters use wheels.

ADU. You mentioned trials with defence helicopters like the MH-60R and Chinook. How did that go?

Rakesh Arora. The trials were successful. We’ve worked with the Indian Navy for the MH-60R and even conducted Chinook trials. These machines are versatile and can handle the latest helicopter models.

ADU. What’s your take on the global market for Mototok?

Rakesh Arora. Mototok has a strong presence in Europe, with units used by the Italian Navy and German Air Force. In the US, we’re working with Delta Airlines, and the trials are progressing well. We’ve also supplied units to Hong Kong Airport, where one terminal operates entirely on electric GSE.

ADU. Are there plans to expand into high-growth regions like Africa and South America?

Rakesh Arora. We are exploring these markets, particularly South America, where our international sales head, is actively engaging with potential clients.

ADU. Charging infrastructure is a common concern. How do you address this?

Rakesh Arora. Charging isn’t a problem. Our machines use a regular three-phase charger, which is available at most airports.

ADU. Beyond aviation, do you see applications for these machines in other industries?

Rakesh Arora. Not really. The machines are specifically designed for aircraft handling, and there’s no comparable requirement in other industries.

ADU. Anything you’d like to add about Mototok?

Rakesh Arora. Just that electrification is the future. While the initial cost might seem high, the long-term benefits for the environment and efficiency are undeniable. Going green is essential, and we’re proud to contribute to that vision.

Mototok, represented by Delport Airport Services India, is attempting to revolutionise aircraft handling with its innovative, eco-friendly pushback tractors. With a focus on efficiency, compactness, and sustainability, these machines are making their mark in both civil and defence aviation. As Mototok looks to expand its footprint in India and beyond, its commitment to greener skies and smarter solutions signals a promising future for the aviation industry.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena