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Golf Carts in Airports; A Matter of Necessity



At a glance the use of golf carts and utility vehicles within an airport might be viewed as limited. This is far from the reality. Today’s airports are complex and vast facilities. A massive number of electric vehicle solutions are an everyday necessity.


Albion Golf Cars (Toronto) is the leader in providing vehicles to airports across Canada. More than three decades of support from the major airlines and airport authorities has helped hone our expertise in this unique market.


The requirement is enormous in scale. As an example, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport handles over 45 million passengers per year; 50,000 people work there, and it covers 4,600 acres. Passenger or employee transportation is a huge undertaking. Security and safety are critical. Aging demographics and airline travel growth will only expand the requirement for more vehicles.

 

 

Types of Vehicles:

The most typical and visible airport units are People Movers (a.k.a. Shuttles or Surreys); these can be configured as 4, 6 or 8-passenger. Utility, or task orientated custom container or a simple flatbed units can be found throughout the non-passenger areas. Unique EMS or wheelchair units are also available within most airports.


Brands:

The leading North American brands include Club Car, Carryall, GEM, Cushman and Yamaha. There are also and several brands from China. All have solid engineering and meet various price points starting at $13,000 for a base model 4 passenger up to $30,000 for an 8 passenger. Unique custom brands have offerings as high as $60,000 per unit (all figures CAD).


Unique Requirements and Modifications:

The airport venue presents unique circumstances for vehicle specifications. Security and public safety needs are paramount. Vehicle reliability is critical. The airport environment is always crowed and often tense. Accidents often result in litigation. Vehicle features are often airline or airport specific. Although most vehicle brands come standard with lights, turn signals and a horn, Albion an authorized Club Car dealer is usually asked to employ Club Car’s Custom Solutions division to outfit the unit. Listed below are just a few of the optional modifications we have been contracted to perform:

  • Conversion of flooded lead acid battery to gel or AGM versions for security or safety reasons. (Conversion to Lithium as well is coming)

  • Speed suppression.

  • Addition of an onboard charger.

  • Addition of a reel cord (retracting) apparatus to the onboard charger.

  • Enhanced grab and safety bars for passenger safety.

  • Add an accelerator pedal protection device (prevents luggage falling on the pedal)

  • Add safety beacon.

  • Add fire extinguisher.

  • Add non-marking tires

  • Adding of a tracking or ignition monitoring device.

 

Innovations in Golf Cart Technology – What lies ahead?

The increasing reliance on golf carts in airports has spurred innovations tailored to meet the unique demands of these environments. Manufacturers now offer models equipped with advanced features such as GPS tracking, dash cameras, backup cameras, collision avoidance systems, and customizable seating arrangements. Electric models with extended battery life and fast-charging capabilities are particularly popular, catering to airports’ operational and sustainability goals.


Some airports are experimenting with autonomous golf carts that use artificial intelligence and sensors to navigate terminals without human operators. These self-driving carts could revolutionize airport logistics and passenger services, offering a glimpse into the future of mobility solutions in aviation.

 

The use of golf carts in airports underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in meeting the needs of modern travelers. These unassuming vehicles have proven their worth as a versatile and reliable solution, improving accessibility, streamlining operations, and enhancing the overall airport experience. As technology evolves and airports continue to prioritize efficiency and sustainability, the humble golf cart will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air travel.


The original golf car has travelled a long distance from “fairway to runway”. Keep an eye open for an Albion Golf Cars vehicle when you visit your next airport.


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