Advancing Deicing Operations with Vestergaard Company’s Latest Technologies

Since innovation is part of Aeromag’s DNA, we are always open to testing equipment and technologies that have the potential to improve our efficiency.

This past season, our YUL station had the opportunity to operate two new deicing trucks: Elephant® e-BETA OPTIM-ICE and e-MY Lite. The e-MY Lite is a single-operator open-basket truck, with premix fluid tanks of 5,600 L (Type I) and 2,000 L (Type II/IV). The standout feature of this model is Vestergaard’s new fully electric chassis. The e-BETA OPTIM-ICE truck is Vestergaard’s plug-in hybrid version of its iconic BETA model. Built on a Volvo chassis, the e-BETA uses a high-voltage battery to power deicing operations in full electric mode. When additional power is required, an onboard generator recharges the battery. The unit can also be plugged in for external charging, offering greater operational flexibility.

The e-BETA OPTIM-ICE truck features a first-of-its-kind operator assist deicing system. Using LIDAR radars positioned strategically, e-BETA OPTIM-ICE begins each job by scanning the aircraft in one quick pass. The system then recognizes and maps the aircraft, displaying it on a screen in the operator’s cabin. The software assists the operator by moving the nozzle in pre-selected patterns across the wing and stabilizer. While the operator remains in control, OPTIM-ICE performs the operation semi-automatically, which can help reduce training requirements.

In conclusion, the e-BETA OPTIM-ICE will remain at our YUL station for a second deicing season, while the e-MY Lite will return to Denmark for system updates. We look forward to seeing the value this new deicing truck will bring during the 2026–27 season. We are grateful for partners like Vestergaard, whose technologies help us improve operational efficiency and continue advancing innovation.

Let’s go further together.