Gazprom Neft' : Gazpromneft-Aero becomes Russia’s first company to introduce automated fuel accounting in aviation refuelling

Gazpromneft-Aero has become the first of Russia's aviation fuel suppliers to switch to automated fuel accounting in aviation refuelling, allowing significant reductions in flight servicing times as well as simplifying accounts for aviation companies.

The system envisages the installation of add-on modules on refuelling tankers, finalising the automated accounting of the movement of oil products throughout the entire supply chain - from delivery at the refuelling complex right up to 'wing-tip' delivery into an aircraft. The first refuelling tanker equipped with such an add-on module commenced operation in January 2017, at Sheremetyevo. The vehicle is further equipped with a controller, a digital display, a fuel gauge, a GSM unit and a printer. The module's functionality allows the operator to save time in completing supporting documentation when refuelling aircraft, thus eliminating accounting errors.

Operation of the controller requires the operator to log in with a smartcard before inputting data on the volume of fuel required and any additives to be dispensed. During refuelling the digital screen displays online all necessary information on the rate and means of delivery into the aircraft. Once the required volume of fuel has been delivered refuelling stops automatically, a delivery note is issued via the printer, and a full account of the delivery sent directly to the Gazpromneft-Aero server via the GSM unit.

Automated commercial accounting for aviation fuel will allow aviation companies to send invoices and manage receivables online. The system also protects an operator from making mistakes in calculating the volume of fuel delivered and in completing supporting documentation following aircraft refuelling.

Vladimir Egorov, CEO, Gazpromneft-Aero, commented: 'We expect testing of the first refuelling tanker at Sheremetyevo to prove successful, and expect the system to allow us to manage accounts between Gazpromneft-Aero and aviation companies as efficiently, transparently and conveniently as possible. The installation of these new modules will become an important element in our strategic project of moving towards full commercial accounting, changing not just the company's IT platform but also, in large part, the very basis on which the business is run. I believe the use of cutting-edge technologies gives the company genuine additional competitive advantages, both on the Russian and the international aviation refuelling markets.'

Gazpromneft-Aero is a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft. The company has been engaged in wing-tip aircraft refuelling services and the sale of aviation fuels since 1 January, 2008. Gazpromneft-Aero has been a strategic partner to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in aviation fuel supplies since December 2008. Gazpromneft-Aero is the leading aviation fuel supplier on the Russian market in terms of retail sales. The company's operations utilise technologies meeting the highest safety standards in refuelling operations, classified as 'green'. The company provides aviation refuelling services at more than 200 airports throughout 60 countries.

The Gazpromneft-Aero Sheremetyevo refuelling facility is part of a wider refuelling complex at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow. All equipment and technology at this facility is fully automated. Storage facilities include four reservoirs, with a total capacity of approximately 18,000 square metres, an aircraft-apron refuelling point with a 300-metre-per-hour capacity, and more than 20 tankers. The facility also includes a laboratory, fitted with the latest equipment, allowing the determination of fuels' physical and chemical properties, consistent with Russian (GOST) and international (ASTM) standards. The complex is equipped with a unique waste treatment facility, allowing the removal of up to six milligrams of industrial contaminants and one milligram of oil-product contaminants per litre, consistent with standards applicable at fishery facilities.

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Tags: technology
, sales, aircraft fuel