Some customers come back for more. Others become partners along the way. With EFM, we’re happy to have both.
A year ago, EFM started training with our Walkaround & FOD module. Now we’re onboarding them with Pushback & Towing. But our collaboration goes beyond training. EFM has also played an important role in testing and developing ATS, sharing the operational expertise that helps us make the simulator more relevant to real ground handling operations.
Training in a familiar environment
EFM was founded in 1992 as a joint venture between Lufthansa and Munich Airport. Today, its team of around 200 people handles more than 200,000 aircraft towing movements every year.
For a team working at this scale, realistic training matters. That’s why EFM’s Pushback & Towing module features a full replica of Munich Airport, including its apron layout and stand markings.
When trainees already know their surroundings, they can focus on what matters most: the aircraft, radio communication, coordination with the walkout assistant and the procedures required for a safe pushback.
From walkaround to pushback
A safe pushback starts long before the tug begins to move. It starts with the aircraft walkaround and FOD inspection, followed by the checks and procedures that prepare the aircraft for movement.
With Walkaround & FOD and Pushback & Towing available in ATS, EFM can train these stages in the same simulator, creating a more continuous training experience.
The simulator also provides a safe environment to practise, make mistakes and repeat procedures without putting people, equipment or aircraft at risk.
Built Together with Our Industry Partners
Goldhofer is the official partner for our Pushback & Towing module. Together, we developed a simulation featuring three of its vehicles: BISON, PHOENIX and ATLAS 2.
BISON is a conventional towbar tug, while PHOENIX and ATLAS 2 are towbarless tractors. This allows trainees to practise with different types of equipment and become familiar with the vehicles used in real ground handling operations.
Goldhofer brings its equipment expertise to the project, while EFM contributes valuable operational knowledge. Its involvement in testing and development has helped us assess the simulator in the context of real-world ground handling.
It’s a collaboration between simulation developers, an equipment manufacturer and the people who work with this equipment every day. Each brings a different perspective, and that makes the result stronger.
Built around real operational needs
No two airports or ground handling operations are exactly alike. Equipment, procedures and training priorities vary, and professional simulation needs to account for those differences.
That’s why we work closely with our partners and customers throughout development. Their experience helps us build solutions that reflect the realities of the job, rather than expecting every operation to fit a predefined model.
Thank you, EFM, for trusting us with another part of your training and for being part of the development journey. We’re looking forward to the next stage of our collaboration.
Want to explore how ATS could support training at your airport? Request a demo.
