Ground handling provider dnata is expanding its electric vehicle fleet at Rome Fiumicino Airport with four VEGA electric apron buses from manufacturer Cobus. The vehicles are scheduled to enter service by mid-November to transport passengers between airport terminals and aircraft.
According to dnata, it will become the first ground handler to deploy the new Cobus model. The buses have been specifically designed for airport apron operations, where they provide passenger transfers between terminal buildings and parked aircraft.
The VEGA vehicles offer greater passenger capacity than conventional airport buses, according to the company. Their redesigned doors are intended to accelerate passenger boarding and disembarkation, while upgraded air-conditioning systems improve onboard comfort.
Dnata has not disclosed the buses’ battery capacity, driving range or charging specifications.
The four additions will increase the number of buses in dnata’s Fiumicino fleet, which currently comprises more than 40 vehicles. Of these, 23 are already electric. The company expects the new buses to support more efficient apron operations and help maintain short aircraft turnaround times.
More Than 60% of Italian Ground Equipment Is Electric
The purchase forms part of a wider fleet modernisation programme under which dnata has invested more than €30 million over the past three years at Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports.
During this period, the company acquired more than 550 new units of ground handling equipment. The investment covers passenger buses, baggage tractors, conveyor belts, passenger stairs, aircraft loaders and pushback tractors.
Across the three airports, dnata operates more than 1,000 motorised ground handling equipment units. More than 60% of the fleet is now electrically powered.
Where full electrification is not yet operationally practical, the company is progressively replacing conventional diesel fuel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Charging Infrastructure Supports Further Electrification
Dnata identifies the availability of airport charging infrastructure as a key factor in accelerating the transition to electric ground handling equipment.
The company is working with airport operators in Italy to support the development of the necessary charging facilities and accommodate further fleet electrification.
Dnata employs approximately 5,000 people in Italy and provides services to more than 60 airlines. Across its three Italian locations, the company handles over 150,000 flights, 46 million passengers and nearly 18 million pieces of baggage each year.