Icepack/Blacksheep
Dangerous to point fingers until we know what actually happened chaps. Aviance have their own health and safety manager who investigates incidents in accordance with ISO9002/CAP642 regulations. When still GHI they had 2 brand new Douglas tugs delivered to Manchester and within a week they were both involved in incidents.
The reason ? Douglas had fitted the wrong wheel bolts on both tugs resulting in wheels falling off and suspension failure.
Whilst I agree that standards could be improved, this will never happen until the airlines start paying the money. Ground equipment is not cheap and whilst handling agents salaries are not great, it still takes approx 20 staff for a 737/757 sized turnround (loaders,cleaners,check in staff etc.)i.e. not much cash to splash out on nice shiny new kit.
I understand that aviance inherited some appalling
equipment when they took on MAS and BD handling which is gradually being replaced, hence the extra £70m ish Go-Ahead borrowed.