British Airways has announced a significant investment programme to decarbonise its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, as part of a broader £7 billion investment across its business over the next three years.
The airline plans to overhaul its ground vehicles, such as vans, cars, cargo transporters, and passenger steps, gradually replacing them with hybrid or electric alternatives “where available.” This includes replacing all 20 diesel-powered vehicles used for loading and unloading cargo containers with hybrid electric models. Additionally, 135 electric baggage tugs will be introduced, accounting for 40% of the company’s fleet of tugs, and all passenger steps will be replaced with electric alternatives.
British Airways is also targeting its passenger buses at Heathrow Airport, with plans to phase out all 38 diesel buses over the next two years. Of these, 23 will be fully electric, while the others will use HVO fuel. The company is developing a large charging park at the airport to support these electrification efforts.
While the focus is on ground vehicles and equipment, the announcement did not specify whether the £7 billion investment includes measures to address the decarbonisation of the airline’s aircraft. British Airways’ parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), recently signed a 14-year supply agreement for 260 million gallons of synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) made from CO2, water, and renewable energy. This e-SAF can be mixed with conventional jet fuel to reduce emissions, though the exact emissions reduction depends on the percentage of e-SAF used.
Looking ahead, British Airways has invested in Zero Avia, a company working on hydrogen fuel cell electric aircraft. The airline aims to deploy the first zero-emission aircraft for short-haul flights by 2030.
