Sustainable Fuel Alternatives for Ground Handling Equipment

Airports contribute significantly to carbon emissions, not just from aircraft but also from ground operations. Traditional diesel-powered tugs, loaders, and baggage handlers are major polluters. 

Transitioning to sustainable fuels for ground handling equipment (GHE) is a critical step toward net-zero goals.

Current Challenges with Conventional Fuels

• High Emissions: Diesel-powered GHE produces CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate matter.
• Regulatory Pressure: Stricter environmental laws (e.g., CORSIA, EU Green Deal) demand cleaner alternatives.
• Operational Costs: Volatile fossil fuel prices increase expenses.

Eco-Friendly Fuel Solutions

1. Hydrogen Fuel Cells
   • Pros: Zero emissions (only water vapor), fast refueling.
   • Example: Munich Airport trials hydrogen-powered pushback tractors.
2. Battery-Electric (BEV)
   • Pros: Low noise, reduced maintenance.
   • Challenge: Limited battery life for heavy-duty equipment.
   • Example: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) uses electric baggage tugs.
3. Biofuels (HVO & SAF)
   • Pros: Drop-in replacement for diesel, up to 90% CO₂ reduction.
   • Example: Amsterdam Schiphol runs GHE on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
4. Hybrid Systems
   • Pros: Combines electric and clean diesel for flexibility.
   • Example: FedEx employs hybrid-electric cargo loaders.

Implementation Barriers

• Infrastructure Costs: Charging stations and hydrogen refueling require investment.
• Energy Density: Batteries may lack power for high-intensity operations.
• Supply Chain: Sustainable fuels need scalable production.

The Path Forward

• Government Incentives: Tax breaks for airports adopting green GHE.
• Industry Collaboration: Airports, airlines, and manufacturers must partner for R&D.
• Phased Rollout: Start with smaller equipment (e.g., baggage carts) before scaling to heavy machinery.

Conclusion

Sustainable fuels for ground handling are no longer a distant dream—they’re an operational imperative. Airports that invest in hydrogen, electric, or biofuel alternatives today will future-proof their operations while meeting global sustainability targets.

Get in touch with our experts at Vayu Aviation to learn more.