Innovation
6. June 2024

Swissport introduces new electric vehicles in Basel and Geneva

 

With the delivery of new electric vehicles at Basel and Geneva airports, Swissport is making significant progress towards its sustainability goals. In line with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the company is committed to achieving short-term CO2 reduction targets and transitioning to net-zero carbo emissions by 2050.

Swissport Basel and Geneva are consistently committed to reducing CO2 emissions. This dedication is evident in the recent introduction of new electric ground power units (eGPUs) and additional electric vans. At Swissport Basel, the share of electric ground support equipment (eGSE) is set to increase to 49% by the end of 2024, thanks to these new eGPUs and ongoing investments in fleet modernization. Meanwhile, Swissport Geneva, which already boasts a fleet with 53% electric vehicles, plans to further expand its electric vehicle portfolio. By the end of 2024, Swissport Geneva aims to raise the proportion of the electric share of its fleet to 58%.

“As a leading provider of airport ground services in Switzerland, Swissport is fully committed to reducing CO2 emissions. With the introduction of new electric vehicles, we are accelerating our transition to more sustainable operations. This investment not only strengthens our fleet, but also underscores our pivotal role in the ecological transformation of the airline industry,” says Bruno Stefani, CEO of Swissport Switzerland, Italy and France.

A vision for a sustainable future

Swissport aims to achieve 55% electric vehicles in its global fleet by 2032, targeting a 42% reduction in CO2 from its own operations (Scope 1 and Scope 2) compared to 2022 levels. In line with its electrification policy, Swissport prioritizes investing in electric ground support equipment (eGSE) and only purchases fossil-fueled models when no alternatives are available. For many types of equipment, eGSE has already become standard. Over the next three years, we will gradually increase up to 80% of all new motorized GSE acquisitions and replacements to be electric. Swissport plans to invest over a billion euros in electric vehicles and equipment over the next decade.

Facilitating transition in aviation

As a global leader in airport ground service and air cargo handling provider, operating at 286 airports in 44 countries, Swissport collaborates closely with aviation partners to promote sustainable aviation. This includes working with airports to develop a robust and efficient recharging infrastructure for all types of vehicles, such as baggage tractors, aircraft tractors, transport vehicles, and passenger staircases.


Original article
Image source: swissport.com