Swissport will purchase new vehicles in electric-powered variants from January 2025 to speed up the transition away from diesel and gasoline-powered GSE.

From January, vehicles for baggage transport, conveyor belts to load luggage, mobile staircases, forklifts, and vehicles for waste disposal and water supply must be purchased in the electric variant in Swissport’s newly adopted procurement policy.

By 2027, Swissport intends to procure only electric GSE depending on equipment availability and airport infrastructure.

Swissport has set the target of 55% electric GSE by 2032.

The policy is key to Swissport’s ESG commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, with CEO Warwick Brady saying: “Over the next ten years, we will invest over a billion euros into a new electric fleet. Our strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy also supports airlines’ ESG goals and reduces their supply chain emissions.”

Brady also said: “To support our electrification roadmap, airports must prioritise installing charging infrastructure, and ensure their electrical grids can handle increased power demands. Swissport also urges regulators and IATA to establish standardised charging connectors and protocols and to require airports to provide a minimum number of electrifiable GSE parking spaces.”

Swissport is making progress electrifying its GSE fleet at major European airports with 44% electric GSE at Zurich Airport, which is set to reach 55% by the end of 2025.

At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Swissport has invested €2.5 million in electric assets and intends to transition its entire motorised GSE fleet to electric power soon.

Five electric buses have been deployed at Rome Fiumicino Airport with seven more on order, and Swissport will invest €25 million in electric vehicles at Frankfurt Airport, where it has secured a licence to provide ground services from February 2025.