Operating around 800 forecourts across the UK, Asda depends on constantly available, well-maintained equipment - from air and vacuum machines to jet washes and rollover car washes.

Maintaining that level of performance at scale is no small task. But through its long-term partnership with AIR-serv, ASDA is achieving 97-98% uptime across its estate – meaning optimal forecourt revenue, while also removing much of the operational burden from store teams.

“We often talk about suppliers,” says Stuart Peel, petrol trading operations manager, at Asda. “But when it comes to AIR-serv, they’re a true partner.”

A model built on shared performance

AIR-serv’s revenue share model is central to this success.

Rather than ASDA paying for equipment upfront, or any kind of fixed rental fee, AIR-serv installs, operates and maintains the air, wash and vacuum equipment at no cost to the retailer – with the revenue generated then shared between the two organisations. “Put simply, this creates exactly the right incentives,” Stuart explains. “It’s in AIR-serv’s interest to make sure the machines are running at their best because uptime benefits both sides.”

This alignment of interests is reflected in performance. Across ASDA’s estate, machines consistently deliver 97–98% uptime.

Proactive equipment monitoring

Technology plays a key role. Through telemetry built into the equipment, AIR-serv monitors machine performance remotely and proactively - quickly identifying any issues, anomalies or faults before they can impact availability.

“If a machine hasn’t recorded any sales, AIR-serv flags it straight away,” says Stuart. “They’ll contact the site, investigate the issue and if needed send an engineer out. It’s a proactive approach rather than waiting for problems to be reported. This makes a huge difference.”

Taking the pressure off store teams and head office

Beyond uptime, the model significantly reduces the day-to-day demands on ASDA’s store teams.

AIR-serv handles everything from maintenance and servicing to chemical top-ups on jet washes and secure cash collection. Store colleagues are not required to access machines or handle cash, removing both administrative effort and potential security risks. “Removing the security vulnerability is a big weight off our minds,” Stuart says.  “This means we don’t have store colleagues going to the far end of a car park to collect cash and potentially putting themselves as risk. It also means they can focus their time and energy on delivering excellent customer experience in store.”

Using AIR-serv staff for cash collection reduces the possibility of discrepancies and gives Asda complete confidence that revenues are being accurately captured and reported. AIR-serv also manages any customer queries, damage claims or refunds directly, reducing the operational impact on store and head office teams. “Things happen on busy forecourts,” Stuart explains. “Vehicles can clip equipment or machines can be damaged. AIR-serv takes care of all of that, which removes a lot of pressure from our teams. Both on the ground and in head office.”

Secure, auditable and fully managed

Security and financial transparency are built into the model.

Cash is collected and processed by AIR-serv using multiple layers of verification - including machine meter intelligence and transaction reporting. This ensures revenue is accurately recorded and shared. “It’s really straight forward - just one payment. And revenue is fully auditable,” Stuart says. “There are several checks built into the system, which gives us complete confidence in the reporting.” Equipment is also maintained to strict safety standards. For example, air machines are fitted with calibrated pressure control systems that engineers test and certify during servicing visits. “All of that maintenance data is logged and stored,” Stuart explains. “It’s another example of the level of detail AIR-serv brings to the service.”

A partnership that goes beyond service delivery

The relationship between Asda and AIR-serv extends beyond day-to-day service delivery, and is built on close collaboration.

In 2025, the two companies worked together on the roll out of Aquarama rollover car washes across Asda sites, helping to modernise the retailer’s forecourt offering.

“We’re always looking at how we can improve the customer experience and drive usage,” says Stuart. “AIR-serv are very collaborative in that process.”

“The enthusiasm doesn’t stop when they’ve got the machines on the ground. In partnership with them, we look at how to promote these services, improve signage, and drive awareness. It’s a really rounded approach.” Regular operational reviews and open communication underpin the partnership. “You can pick up the phone to them, and someone will always help. They’re open, honest and very reliable.”

A smarter model for modern forecourts

For Asda, the revenue share approach delivers a clear balance of performance, revenue and simplicity. The model provides a consistent, fully auditable revenue stream while AIR-serv manages the complexities of keeping equipment operational, secure and optimised.

 “It takes away a lot of the operational headaches,” Stuart says. “We know the machines are being looked after and performing the way they should.” In a fast-moving retail environment where uptime, efficiency and customer experience are critical, that combination makes a measurable difference. “It’s a partnership that works,” Stuart concludes. “AIR-serv focuses on keeping the machines running at their best, and we can focus on the rest of the business.”