Swissport is to mandate the purchase of electric-powered variants across many ground support equipment (GSE) categories in a new sustainability-driven mission starting from January 2025.
The move speeds up the transition of its fleet of vehicles from diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles to electric units. The company has committed to achieving 55% eGSE by 2032, which includes the newly adopted procurement policy. This includes vehicles for baggage transport, conveyor belts for loading luggage onto aircraft, mobile staircases for passenger boarding, light and medium forklifts, and service vehicles for waste disposal and fresh water supply. By 2027, Swissport intends to procure only electric GSE, depending on the availability of the required equipment and the development of sufficient charging infrastructure at airports.
“Swissport reaffirms its goal to continuously increase the proportion of electric, zero emission ground support equipment,” said Warwick Brady, president and CEO of Swissport International. “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. 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.”
At Zurich Airport (ZRH), Swissport currently operates with 44% electric GSE and is set to reach 55% by the end of 2025.
IMAGE: Swissport
