Shaping the Future of Runway Maintenance: Friction Testing and Rubber Removal

In an era where aviation safety is paramount, Moventor and Smets Technology have emerged as leaders with their innovative friction testing and runway maintenance solutions. While each company has charted its path with unique offerings, their innovative equipment showcases a shared commitment to advancing airport safety. We spoke with Mikko Kallio, CEO of Moventor, and Sascha Smets, CEO of Smets Technology, about their products, recent achievements, and what lies ahead in the realm of aviation safety.

Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive in with the recent developments. Could you tell us about your respective company’s role in enhancing aviation safety?

Mikko Kallio: It’s a pleasure to be here. Moventor has proudly supplied over 200 to airports world-wide, a testament to our dedication to precision and reliability in runway friction measurement, ensuring optimal safety conditions are maintained.

Sascha Smets: And at Smets Technology, we’re excited about the launch of our new product series, the ARC 0800, which enables small airports with no outsourcing opportunities to perform rubber removal and marking removal applications on their airfield. This innovative trailer utilizes ultra-high-pressure water technology and can be combined with sweepers from FAUN or AEBI Schmidt. It’s a versatile solution for rubber removal, demarking, and cleaning oil spillages, alongside normal sweeping applications.

The ARC 0800 sounds like a game-changer for runway maintenance, especially for smaller airports. Can you expand on how it complements existing airport maintenance protocols?

Sascha Smets: Absolutely. The ARC 0800 is designed to enhance the efficiency of runway maintenance tasks. By integrating this trailer with a sweeper unit like FAUN’s Viajet or AEBI Schmidt’s SK 660, airports can maximize the efficiency and applications of their sweepers and streamline their operations. The ARC 0800’s high- pressure water system is perfect for challenging tasks such as rubber removal and demarking, while the sweeper can be used for regular maintenance. This combination reduces the need for multiple specialized vehicles, saving time and resources for airports.

That’s quite innovative. Turning to Moventor, Mikko, can you share any upcoming developments that the industry can look forward to?

Mikko Kallio: Certainly. At Moventor, we’re continuously working on enhancing our Skiddometer BV11, focusing on advanced data analytics and integration capabilities. Our aim is to provide airports with even more detailed insights into runway conditions, facilitating proactive safety measures and maintenance planning.

It’s clear that both Moventor and Smets Technology are at the forefront of runway safety and maintenance technology. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on the impact of your technologies on global airport operations?

Mikko Kallio: Our goal at Moventor has always been to contribute to safer airport operations globally. With the Skiddometer BV11 and our ongoing advancements, we’re setting new benchmarks in runway safety, aiming to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the overall safety of air travel. Our slogan is: Moventor – Makes Every Runway Safer.

Sascha Smets: Similarly, at Smets Technology, we’re dedicated to providing innovative solutions like the ARC 0800 that not only improve runway safety but also operational efficiency. Our products are designed to meet the evolving needs of airports worldwide, ensuring they can maintain the highest safety standards.

One last question: You are currently having a joint project where you are supplying two Skiddometer BV11 friction testers and two ARC 0800 on FAUN sweepers to airports in Trinidad & Tobago. Could you also shed some light on this great project?

Mikko Kallio: Certainly, and I’m glad you brought this up. While Moventor and Smets Technology operate independently, this particular project in Trinidad & Tobago showcases how our products can complement each other in the broader context of airport safety and efficiency. The supply of two Skiddometer BV11 units to the region is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable and accurate runway friction measurements, which are crucial for maintaining safe landing and takeoff conditions. The customer has the great advantage that he has a central point of contact and can use the synergies of both of our companies.

Sascha Smets: Indeed, Mikko. And from our side, supplying two ARC 0800 units mounted on FAUN sweepers aligns with our goal to offer comprehensive solutions for runway maintenance. The ARC 0800’s capabilities in rubber removal, demarking, and cleaning oil spillages, when combined with the sweeping efficiency of the FAUN vehicles, provide a versatile and powerful toolset for airport maintenance teams. Although our products are supplied separately, their concurrent use in Trinidad & Tobago demonstrates the potential for synergy in enhancing runway safety and operational standards.

Thank you, Mikko and Sascha, for your insights and for sharing the exciting developments from Moventor and Smets Technology. Your contributions are indeed making a significant impact on enhancing runway safety and efficiency around the world.

As Moventor and Smets Technology continue to innovate in their respective fields, their contributions are setting new standards in aviation safety, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to technological advancements and the protection of passengers worldwide.