Sustainability initiatives like the European Union’s Green Deal are urging the aviation sector to cut emissions fast. Today, airports are looking at several new and emerging green solutions. One of the fastest-growing solutions? Replacing the current diesel passenger buses with next generation, electric models.
Apron buses are tasked with transporting travelers between terminals and aircraft safely and comfortably. Especially at airports with remote stands. While they may not exactly get the spotlight, these buses are consistently operating around the clock. Collectively, they burn a significant amount of fuel, inflating Scope 1 and 3 emissions. More airports are strongly considering electric buses as a practical way to reduce emissions and improve air quality in one go.
In Europe, this green shift has already widely begun. Airports in France, Germany, and the Netherlands have started significantly investing in battery powered ground fleets, supported by national decarbonization goals. With stricter annual targets and more funding available for similar carbon reducing operations, electric passenger buses are getting traction every day.
Tenders for airside fleets are more often requiring emission free vehicles. Airports aren’t asking whether to go electric anymore, they’re now asking how soon they can make the transition to future-proof their terminals.
Electric vehicle adoption is growing at a fast pace, but some challenges still remain present. Charging infrastructure is one of the primary concerns for airport operators. Unlike old diesel buses, these newer electric models need designated charging stations that are onsite and accessible, which can be tricky to install in busy terminals.
There’s also the schedule. These airport buses run on relatively tight routes, but they don’t have much downtime between runs. That means that charging times needs to be minimal, smart, and well planned. And for locations that currently function using older systems, integrating new battery-powered models into their fleet monitoring platforms can be a little more complicated.
Airside buses are manufactured specifically for an airport environment. They’re designed to run through short trips, lots of stops, and heavy loads without sacrificing its efficiency. Many airside models now boast remote diagnostic tools and safety features that satisfy the stricter aviation standards.
Bus manufacturers are also beginning to pay more attention to the vehicle’s life cycle. Recyclable materials and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are becoming the new standard.
Electric ground transportation won’t solve the aviation industry’s decarbonization challenge alone, but they’re an easy and visible win for the airport. They can easily reduce direct emissions, lower the noise levels, and generate cleaner working conditions for the staff on duty.
Most importantly, they help us meet global net-zero targets a lot faster, and for a relatively low cost. It might just be an airport’s next step towards a greener future for travel.
Paulina Gustov is a market analyst working with electrification of ground handling in aviation, with a focus on spreading awareness on sustainability in different sectors, and especially interested in all things automotive, from buses to cars.
