With airports now being larger than ever before, the effective ongoing maintenance and management of airline technology is crucial. We talked to Richard Lacle, CEO of ASAP Services NV and winner of ‘Most Innovative CEO of the Year, Dutch Caribbean -2017’ and ‘Growth Strategy CEO of the Year, Dutch Caribbean – 2017’ to discuss ASAP Services’ ascendance to the lofty heights of top flight technology.
The travel industry has seen rapid growth over the last 50 years and with an ever- increasing global population, greater opportunities for international trade and overseas destinations becoming popular for holidaymakers and leisure pursuits, the market will continue to expand year on year. Statistical data gathered by the World Tourism Organisation to examine the expansion of global air transportation indicates that the number of travellers has indeed risen by four per cent annually since 2012. Consequently, one thing is abundantly clear – a flourishing industry such as this requires substantial ongoing investment in robust technology to meet the safety and security demands of its users.
Here, Richard Lacle, CEO of Aruba based ASAP Services NV, tells us about his organisation and its important role in addressing the technological challenges faced by airports, seaports, medical institutions and other government bodies.
What types of products and services do ASAP provide?
ASAP specialises in the design, sale, installation, maintenance and repair of electro-mechanical equipment for use in the transportation, hospital and hotel industries both through governmental institutions and private clients.
We offer a comprehensive range of high quality products and services which are compliant with government regulations on safety and security and offer customer oriented efficient solutions to our users. X-Ray, Scanners, Screening Systems, Metal Detectors, Access Control Systems, Industrial Air Conditioning, Closed Circuit TV, Emergency Generators and Runway Lighting Systems are an indication of the types of commercial products we currently provide, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
How does ASAP gain a competitive edge in the market?
We believe our location gives us a significant advantage. We are based in Aruba, a Caribbean island situated off the coast of Venezuela, where flights to and from the United States, Canada, and countries in both Central and Latin America are now a regular occurrence. As such, we are strategically placed to be able to reach clients quickly and efficiently. For example, the United States is an approximate two and a half hour direct flight time.
Additionally, a rapid response to all our clients’ needs is guaranteed through our 24/7 365 day a year service. We thoroughly recognise the urgent nature of our industry, and our workforce of skilled technicians and engineers strive to maintain the continual safety, efficiency and reliability of installations, perform preventative maintenance projects and go the extra mile to provide a top quality ‘around the clock’ service. We encourage participation and teamwork for decision making and utilise our human resources to achieve the maximum potential of all our team members. We firmly believe that the combination of these factors contributes to not only our unrivalled success but also to establishing ASAP as market place leaders.
What is your approach to asset management?
Our approach and policy primarily focuses on quality as our fundamental tasks are to maintain the safety, efficiency and reliability of installations and facilities. Whether we are working on X-Ray, metal detection devices, fire extinguishing apparatus or chiller plants, extensive assessments and monitoring are undertaken to create bespoke maintenance programmes tailored to individual needs.
Each project has an assigned team of dedicated specialists headed by a Project Manager and Co-ordinator. We draw upon our wealth of professional expertise – engineers, architects, mechanics, electricians, logistics supervisors, etc – to ensure that all projects are successful, but do not rest on our laurels. We appreciate that technology is constantly evolving and the demand for specialist skills and industry knowledge must keep pace with this. To this end ASAP delivers ongoing training programmes to enable all technicians to implement the latest innovations into our solutions. Additionally, we are continually seeking to attract high calibre candidates to our workforce – maintaining our reputation of excellence and guaranteeing a swift and efficient service to our users.
How have you met the demands of legislative changes and sector based challenges?
Ongoing reviews of safety and security will always be of paramount importance, especially in such a rapidly evolving environment as passenger and freight transportation. We understand that regulatory changes will often be required to address industry led concerns and through investing in our training and certification programmes, we are committed to staying ahead of these changes and ensuring they are integrated into our preventative maintenance systems and programmes.
What would you say are ASAPs most notable achievements?
We are delighted to announce the successful design and installation of a LED runway lighting system at Aruba International Airport, ASAPs first project of this kind. Recent highlights also include the repair and refurbishment of more than 40 individual components of scanning equipment at Tocumen Internatioal Airport in Panama.
On a personal level ASAP have received the accolade of Best Security Scanning Technology Provider – Caribbean Award for Excellence in Technology Rehabilitation at the Air Transport Awards, February 2017. We are also holders of the International Quality Crown Award in recognition of the quality of our management, teamwork and community services.
How do you envisage ASAPs future progression, overall objectives and long term vision?
ASAP will continue to build upon its excellent reputation and sector dominance to continue providing an unrivalled level of service to clients. Relevant industry training will be given to our workforce to ensure they are proficient with advancements in equipment and technology. We anticipate that the air transport industry will develop into more of a cost-effective business with a focus on the further integration of services. Therefore we will continue to assess and monitor sector trends in order to furnish our clients with timely and economical solutions to their ongoing requirements.
For further information on systems and equipment designed, sold, installed, maintained and repaired by ASAP Services, please visit http://www.asap.aero/