Wizz Air and Menzies Aviation have performed the first fully electric turnarounds at Hungary’s Budapest Airport.
The “green” turn at Budapest Airport has been made possible by the availability of charging infrastructure necessary for electric equipment, with all energy coming from renewable sources. It is further supported by Menzies’ electric-first approach which includes a commitment to having 25% electric GSE globally by 2025.
Menzies’ use of electric baggage tractors and belt loaders, passenger steps with solar panels, ground power unit, a pushback, potable water and lavatory units is enabling Wizz Air to depart from Budapest Airport safely while improving energy use and operational efficiency. Electric turns reduce carbon emissions from the ground handling process by around 80% per aircraft when compared to using diesel-powered equipment. Currently, Menzies Aviation provides fully electric turns for two Wizz Air aircraft simultaneously at Budapest Airport.
Katy Reid, head of sustainability and corporate responsibility at Menzies Aviation, said: “Sustainability is a top priority for Menzies, as we continue to grow our business and find ways to improve our operational efficiency. We are setting science-based targets to reach net-zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045. We are taking action by switching to electric GSE where possible and using alternative fuels. Ongoing collaboration with partners, such as Wizz Air and Budapest Airport, will be vital to achieving this ambition. We are proud to have made significant strides, with 41% of our GSE equipment in Europe now electric, and look forward to working closely with industry partners, including suppliers, airlines and airports to advance more environmentally friendly operations.”
Image: Budapest Airport
