A further 27 MAN Lion's City E 12 and E 18 electric bus models will be put into operation by the end of the year. There is an option to purchase 25 additional buses.
“We are reducing air pollutants, lowering our energy consumption and avoiding climate damaging CO2 emissions. The changeover is a further step towards sustainable airport operations and a clean future for the aviation industry. The buses also offer passengers a more comfortable journey from the gate to the aircraft,” said Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.
Munich Airport is one of the first MAN customers to receive and use the new e-buses from the 2024 model year.
The electric drive is considered well suited to apron use, with short distances and low speeds. The 18m articulated buses (MAN Lion's City E 18) offer sufficient space for passengers and airline crews as a supplement to the 12m solo buses (MAN Lion's City E 12). Both models feature numerous innovations in terms of equipment and safety, among them, a more efficient and sustainable air conditioning system.
Net Zero 2035
The aim of the "Net Zero 2035" sustainability strategy is to ensure that Munich Airport's operations leave no CO2 in the atmosphere from 2035 at the latest. By 2030, the entire vehicle fleet on the apron of Munich Airport is to be emission-free and climate-friendly. Half of the vehicles are to be electrically powered as early as this year. AeroGround provides the majority of aircraft and baggage handling as well as all associated passenger and crew transportation at the airport. The charging infrastructure for the e-buses on the apron is currently being expanded.
The electrification of the bus fleet at Munich Airport is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) with a total of €23.8m as part of the "Funding for buses with alternative drive systems in passenger transport" directive. Funding is also provided as part of the German Recovery and Resilience Plan via the European Recovery and Resilience Facilities in the "NextGeneration EU" programme.
