Low-cost carrier easyJet and Bristol airport say they have
achieved close to zero-emission aircraft turnarounds through the use of
electric ground equipment.
The airline and airport have been collaborating on efforts
to decarbonise ground operations, and they say a trial of electric-powered
equipment rather than diesel for aircraft turnarounds, including steps, baggage
trollies, belt loaders and ground power units, has achieved a 97 per cent
reduction in CO2 emissions in daily data produced throughout September,
emitting 59kg of carbon during the period compared to 1,780kg used by
like-for-like diesel equipment.
The trial is one of a number of initiatives easyJet is
undertaking in an effort to reduce emissions, including offsetting the
emissions of all of its flights and trialling the use of sustainable aviation
fuel. The carrier said it is using Bristol airport as a test bed, but any successful results will have the potential to be rolled out
across its network, which spans 150 airports across 35 countries.
The six-month trial commenced on 1 September using two
dedicated aircraft stands. It is a joint partnership with TCR, DHL, ITW, Up and
Away and Terberg.
CEO Johan Lundgren said: “At easyJet we want to play our
part to lead the decarbonisation of aviation, so we are delighted to see the
results of this successful trial, which has created a meaningful reduction in
operational emissions by embracing the technology available to us today.
“The learnings from the Bristol trial will help us shape our
sustainability strategy for future operational changes – all of which will help
enable easyJet’s transition towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol airport, added: “As an airport we
are taking our commitments to address climate change seriously and this trial
is only one initiative we are delivering on towards achieving a net zero
airport operation by 2030.
“We will continue to work in partnership with easyJet to enable
us to develop joint initiatives and projects to contribute towards
decarbonising aviation and the creation of green jobs.”