OMEX De-icers Top Three Highlights from SWIFT Expo & Conference 2026
The SWIFT Expo & Conference 2026 once again proved why it is a must-attend event for professionals involved in winter service and airfield operations. Bringing together airport operators, suppliers and innovators from across Europe, the conference offered valuable insight into how the industry continues to evolve in the face of increasingly challenging operational and sustainability demands.
For the OMEX De-icers team, three standout highlights captured the spirit of collaboration, technical innovation and continuous improvement that defines the SWIFT community.
1. Winter Warriors: Ground Handling in Harsh Conditions
One of the most impactful sessions of the conference was Winter Warriors – Ground Handling in Harsh Conditions, hosted by Giles Peeters, with an expert panel including Klemens Krys of Berlin Airport, Jani Elasmaa, Vice President at Helsinki Airport, and Miriam Westbrook from MAG Airport Group.
The session provided a highly practical and informative comparison of winter operations across major European hubs, with a particular focus on Berlin and Helsinki. The discussion offered a valuable real-world knowledge share, highlighting both the scale and complexity of operations in truly demanding winter environments. Helsinki Airport’s figures were particularly striking, with approximately 11,000 aircraft de-icing events per season and peak days reaching up to 480 de-icing operations. Although the UK is unlikely to ever replicate a winter such as this, the insights reinforce the importance of resilience, planning, and proven operational strategies to maintain safety and continuity during extreme conditions.
2. Airside Innovation at Aeromag, Heathrow Airport
A second key highlight was the visit to the Aeromag station at Heathrow Airport, where delegates were able to see cutting-edge equipment demonstrated in a live operational environment. Two machinery demonstrations were of particular interest to the OMEX team.
The first came from Aeromag, who showcased their Vestergaard Elephant aircraft de-icing unit. The system is designed as a single-operator solution, capable of carrying two types of de-icing fluid, with onboard dilution functionality. Aeromag highlighted that the unit is one of 14 within their operational fleet, underlining its role in high-throughput winter operations. The demonstration also showcased how artificial intelligence is increasingly supporting operational decision-making, helping improve efficiency, accuracy and safety.
The second demonstration was delivered by Aebi Schmidt, who presented their fully electric ASP airfield de-icer. The machine immediately stood out for its impressive
15,000-litre fluid capacity and its compatibility with AirportLogic, an automated digital control system designed to optimise accurate application and minimise fluid wastage. This solution represents a significant step forward in sustainable winter operations and sets a new benchmark for reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational performance.
3. Insightful Q&A Sessions Driving Continuous Improvement
The final highlight for the team was the interactive Q&A sessions held at the end of each conference presentation. Delegates were able to submit questions directly through the conference app, allowing panels to address real operational challenges raised by those working in the field.
This format proved to be an effective way to engage with industry experts, explore alternative approaches to shared challenges, and exchange ideas that can be taken back into day-to-day operations. The open dialogue encouraged constructive challenge of existing policies and processes, supporting the wider goal of continuous improvement across winter service operations.
