Swissport, the world’s largest operator of airport ground support equipment, has announced a new procurement policy mandating the purchase of several electric ground handling vehicle models, effective January 2025. This initiative is part of Swissport’s broader strategy to electrify ground services at nearly 300 airports worldwide, focusing on vehicles for baggage transport, conveyor belts, mobile passenger boarding stairs, and service vehicles for waste disposal and fresh water supply.
From 2027 onwards, Swissport plans to procure only electric ground handling vehicles, contingent on the availability of the necessary 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,” stated Warwick Brady, President & 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.”
With a fleet of approximately 14,300 motorized units, Swissport highlights the numerous benefits of electrifying its fleet, including more reliable and comfortable equipment, reduced noise pollution, and enhanced health and safety features such as anti-collision systems. These upgrades aim to improve asset availability and increase automation potential for airlines and airports.
However, Brady stresses that the development of charging infrastructure is crucial for this transition. He urges not only individual airports but also regulatory authorities and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to prioritize this effort. Despite current limitations, Swissport reports significant progress in fleet electrification, particularly at major European hubs. At Zurich Airport (ZRH), the company currently operates 44% electric ground handling equipment and aims to reach 55% by the end of next year. Similarly, at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Swissport has invested 2.5 million euros in electric vehicles and plans to convert its entire motorized ground handling fleet to electric drive soon, with all vehicles used on the apron set to be electric by December 2024.
Additionally, Swissport has five electric buses in operation for ground services at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and has ordered seven more. At Frankfurt Airport, where Swissport recently obtained a license to provide ground transport services starting February 2025, the company plans to invest around 25 million euros in electric vehicles, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability in airport operations.
