EnerSys®, global supplier of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has contracted with Southwest Airlines to supply NexSys® batteries for replacement and new bag tractors and belt loaders throughout the Southwest Airlines network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Southwest Airlines is a major U.S. airline and the world’s largest low-cost carrier.

“Southwest Airlines handles luggage with care and it shows,” said Chad Uplinger, general manager, specialty markets at EnerSys. “Historically, Southwest Airlines has the lowest consumer complaint rate of all airlines in the industry’s annual Airline Quality Rating report. We are pleased that they have selected our NexSys® batteries with Thin Plate Pure Lead technology to power their ground support equipment.”

Since summer of 2015, EnerSys has delivered more than 100 NexSys® batteries to Southwest Airlines at various airports throughout the United States.

“We chose NexSys® batteries based on the results of an 18-month, multi-location trial,” explained Larry Laney, Southwest Airlines director of ground support. “We are in the process of converting 60 diesel bag tractors at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and have installed NexSys® batteries at Chicago Midway, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, San Francisco and several other airports.”

With a robust, virtually maintenance-free design, NexSys® batteries are ideally suited for harsh environments and demanding ground support applications. High quality Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) separators provide high electrolyte absorption and extreme shock and vibration resistance. Classified as “non-spillable wet electric storage batteries,” NexSys® batteries may be mounted at almost any angle and shipped via overnight air or ground without restriction.

NexSys® batteries also are highly efficient. They feature Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, which provides high-energy throughput and up to three times the battery capacity per 24 hours. They also offer longer battery life and full charging in less than half the usual time of conventional lead acid batteries. Ideal for opportunity charging, NexSys®batteries offer ground support crews added flexibility to charge them during downtime between flights – with no long equalization charging required.

Additional benefits include:

• Minimum gassing for use in public areas
• High recyclability
• Long shelf life (up to two years at 77 F)
• Easy installation