Tag: Decarbonization

Swissport to buy electric vehicles from 2025

Swissport eco powered resizedSwissport 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.

Green Cubes launches new Li-ion battery for GSE

Green Cubes resizedGreen Cubes Technology has unveiled its latest lithium ion battery for GSE offering superior safety and cycle life.

The Li-ion battery utilises Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is safer and more efficient than lead acid and other types of Li-ion batteries.

Key features of Green Cubes’ battery are a state of charge measurement update for stable tracking, improved isolation with CAN and USB communication interfaces, advanced technician software and diagnostic trouble codes to improve diagnostics, an IP54-designed battery control module with easy access for servicing, common parts to reduce spare part inventory requirements, and a power distribution board to eliminate I/O harness and inline components.

Robin Schneider, Director of Marketing at Green Cubes, said: “Airlines and airports worldwide are committed to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability. Converting GSE to electric power, particularly using Li-ion batteries, is a straightforward and impactful step in this direction.”

Joe Richards, Vice President of Product Management, added: “LFP chemistry is safer, more environmentally friendly, and provides a superior cycle life. In addition, we are implementing design features specifically to address the needs of GSE, developed from our years of experience in this industry.”

dnata adds electric tugs to Sao Paulo Guarulhos fleet

dnata electric tugs in Sao Paulo 2 resizeddnata has invested $1.7 million by adding 24 electric tugs to its GSE fleet at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport.

The tugs will transport passenger baggage between aircraft and the airport terminal, and will prevent 420 tonnes of CO2 emissions from being released annually, the equivalent of more than 1.7 million kilometres of driving an average petrol-powered car.

Phil McGrane, CEO of dnata Brazil says the ground services provider is proud to invest in electric GSE, which will help dnata Brazil maintain service and safety levels while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

He said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to further improve environmental efficiency in the Brazilian aviation industry. This includes strong collaboration with the infrastructure providers, whose investment is crucial for advancing the electrification of GSE fleets.”

dnata is investing in its global GSE fleet to improve environmental performance and is committed to phasing out diesel-powered engines, which will be replaced by hybrid, electric or hydrogen power wherever airports have suitable infrastructure.

Minimising fuel consumption is a focus for dnata, with its GSE fleet getting monitored with Vehicle Tracking Management systems, mapping exercises to minimise the distance travelled, and optimised shifts and parking slots to reduce fuel burn.

Driver behaviour is also tracked to encourage better driving through education, awareness and training.

In the 2023-24 financial year, data verified by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body found that dnata’s carbon intensity was reduced by over 8%, 22% and 26% in its airport operations, travel and catering businesses respectively.