Carer Forklift and KLM: the ecological transition in the aerospace supply chain with Z 25 HD KLM

Carer, a leader in the production of 100% electric forklifts, has been partnering with the Dutch flagship company for years in the electrification of the aerospace supply chain.

KLM, an acronym for Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, is one of the most reliable and oldest airlines in Europe. Founded in 1919, its name is synonymous with innovation and high quality, which translates into international awards and achievements. The Dutch flagship carrier won the prestigious "World Airlines Award" for the best in-flight staff service in 2013, and the previous year, it accomplished the first transatlantic flight with an aircraft entirely powered by biofuels. A key contributor to the sustainability efforts of this "winged giant" in its supply chain transition is an exemplary supplier like Carer, right in the heart of its operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where over a hundred Z 25 HD KLM machines have been in operation for more than a decade. These machines, customized to meet the customer's logistics needs, are a crucial part of a comprehensive transformation aimed not only at reducing emissions but also at minimizing KLM's carbon footprint from the very moment of cargo loading and unloading.

Performance and Versatility

Z 25 HD KLM è frutto di un attento studio delle necessità del committente e ha coinvolto direttamente il dipartimento SPED, la divisione di Carer in prima linea nella progettazione on demand. La compagnia aerea era alla ricerca di una soluzione a zero emissioni e di grande compattezza, che svolgesse una duplice funzione: da un lato, quella di carrello elevatore, dall’altra quella di traino
Z 25 HD KML ci riesce grazie a un accorgimento ingegneristico customizzato: un perno, posto al centro della zavorra bipartita che corrisponde al sistema di estrazione della batteria, che l’operatore può tirare e agganciare al carico trasformando la macchina in un rimorchio. Quando invece è necessario farsi valere in altezza, Z 25 HD KLM non teme alcuna sfida, con la sua portata residua massima di 2,5 t e un’ergonomia pensata per permettergli grande manovrabilità negli angusti corridoi di stivaggio di Schiphol. Una versatilità cui KLM fa affidamento da anni, per un volare green che è molto più di un semplice slogan e che, proprio quest’anno, vedrà l’inserimento di 48 unità prossime alla consegna.

The Z 25 HD KLM is the result of a careful study of the client's needs and directly involved the SPED department, Carer's division at the forefront of on-demand design. The airline was in search of a zero-emission and highly compact solution that could serve a dual purpose: on the one hand, as a forklift, and on the other, as a tow tractor.

The Z 25 HD KML achieves this through a customized engineering feature: a pivot point located at the center of the split counterweight, which corresponds to the battery extraction system. The operator can pull and attach it to the load, transforming the machine into a trailer. When it's necessary to work at height, the Z 25 HD KLM is up to the challenge, with its maximum residual capacity of 2.5 tons and ergonomics designed to provide great maneuverability in the tight cargo storage aisles at Schiphol. This versatility is something KLM has relied on for years in their green aviation efforts, which go far beyond being just a slogan. In fact, this year will see the introduction of 48 units soon to be delivered, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable flying.

KLM'S team and Antonella Ghini, Carer Forklift Global Sales Director

Are you in search of the ideal solution to embrace the ecological transition of your vehicle fleet but can't find anything on the market that meets your needs? Carer is the perfect partner, thanks to an extensive product range and endless customization possibilities. Contact us by emailing info@carerforklift.com or calling us at +39 0545.1938010.