The trial uses Esso Renewable Diesel R20 (R20), which is a high-quality fuel with an estimated 15.4% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional diesel. Made with a minimum of 20% renewable content, R20 can be used in existing diesel engines and is available at selected Esso service stations and through bulk delivery to commercial customers.
dnata is the first ground handler at Changi Airport to use renewable diesel, with partial funding provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) as part of its Aviation Sustainability Programme.
If successful, the trial could be rolled out to 200 airside vehicles and generator sets across dnata’s ground handling and cargo operations. This would mark a further step towards the dnata Group’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 as part of its eight-year strategy.
As a result of its significant investment in electric and hybrid airside vehicles, dnata Singapore currently operates over 65 such vehicles, with 90% of its forklift fleet electrified. In addition, dnata Singapore’s facilities have recently installed innovative cooling technology, providing chilled water and air conditioning.
Charles Galloway, dnata’s Regional CEO, Airport Operations – Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to partner with ExxonMobil for this significant trial. dnata remains at the forefront of ground handling services in Singapore, with ongoing investments in cleaner-energy equipment and infrastructure. We look forward to working with ExxonMobil and CAAS to further reduce our carbon footprint throughout this trial, and beyond.”
dnata currently serves more than 50 airlines at Changi.
![Daniel Ng of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Mabel Leung of ExxonMobil, and dnata’s Charles Galloway](https://www.airportsinternational.com/sites/keyapi/files/styles/article_body/public/woodwing/2024-07/293324.jpeg?itok=4Lzn3PzW)