The aviation industry is at a critical juncture, with sustainability becoming a central focus for airlines, ground handlers, airports, and passengers alike. As the world grapples with the challenges of air pollution and climate change, airport ground handlers are advancing innovative efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embrace clean transportation practices. Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) technology, in particular, has emerged as a transformative solution, offering a pathway to decarbonize ground operations while enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. As airports across the world see the growing adoption of EV technologies in aviation ground handling, next week’s 9th Americas GHI Conference, hosted by Ground Handling International, will feature a slew of announcements where sustainability will undoubtedly take center stage.
The Sustainability Imperative in Ground Handling
Ground handling operations, which include baggage handling, aircraft towing, refueling, and catering, are integral to the aviation ecosystem. These activities have historically relied on diesel-powered ground support equipment (GSE), contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As governments, regulators, and consumers demand more sustainable practices, the ground handling industry is under pressure to transition to cleaner technologies.
By replacing traditional diesel equipment with ZEV alternatives, ground handling companies and their airline partners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, improve air quality around airports, reduce noise pollution for equipment operators, and align with broader sustainability goals. Moreover, advancements in battery technology and utilities’ proactive support for charging infrastructure installations are making ZEV adoption more feasible and cost-effective than ever before.
Recent Announcements: A Snapshot of Progress
Several companies have made significant strides in advancing EV technologies for ground handling. These announcements highlight the industry’s commitment to sustainability and the growing momentum behind electric solutions.
- Delta Air Lines is several years into its effort to electrify ground handling operations at key hubs, including Atlanta, Detroit, and Los Angeles, among others. This initiative is part of Delta’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon offset programs.
- Swissport, a leading global ground handling provider, recently announced plans to expand its electric GSE fleet across major European airports. The company has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is investing heavily in electric tow tractors, baggage loaders, and pushback vehicles.
- TCR Group, a prominent GSE leasing and maintenance provider, recently pushed forward on efforts to deploy EV charging solutions at airports across the US and Europe. This partnership aims to address one of the primary barriers to EV adoption — charging infrastructure — by ensuring that ground handling companies have access to reliable and efficient charging solutions.
Airports Lead (and Provide) the Charge
Airports themselves are also playing a pivotal role in driving the adoption of EV technologies. For instance, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport recently introduced incentives for ground handling companies to switch to electric GSE, including reduced fees and access to dedicated charging zones. Similarly, JFK’s new Terminal One, expected to open in 2026, will feature an exclusively zero-emission ground handling fleet, prioritizing airlines, equipment operators, and infrastructure providers that can answer the call.
The transition, though, is not without challenges, including high upfront costs, uncertain or unavailable power supply, and the need for workforce training are just some of the barriers faced. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration. For example, advancements in battery technology are driving down costs and improving performance, while other efforts are underway to deploy innovative business models, such as leasing and shared ownership, to make EV adoption more accessible. Additionally, partnerships between airports, airlines, ground handling providers, and technology companies are accelerating the deployment of charging infrastructure as a shared resource.
The GHI Conference Set to be a Platform for Collaboration
The upcoming GHI conference in Orlando is set to be a pivotal event for the ground handling industry, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss sustainability and share best practices. With a dedicated focus on clean commercial technologies, the conference will feature sessions on ZEV adoption, charging infrastructure, and the role of digitalization in enhancing operational efficiency. Keynote speakers from leading companies and organizations will highlight the latest innovations in electric GSE and explore strategies for overcoming implementation challenges. The conference will also include an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge EV technologies, offering attendees a firsthand look at the future of sustainable ground handling.
As the aviation industry continues its journey toward sustainability, the ground handling sector has a unique opportunity to lead by example. ZEV technologies are not just a solution for reducing emissions — they are a catalyst for transforming ground operations and creating a more resilient and efficient industry. With the right investments, policies, and partnerships, the industry can accelerate this transition and set a new standard for sustainability in aviation.
To navigate the shifting incentives landscape, TRC’s Clean Transportation Solutions team has clearly plotted the location and timing of all of these incentive programs. TRC maintains relationships with every transportation, environmental, and energy agency at the local, state, and Federal level across the U.S. and Canada, which provides the intelligence needed to help fleet managers, technology providers, and fuel suppliers identify and secure the best incentives for their projects. If your organization is looking to make progress on its sustainability efforts, there has never been a better time to leverage funding programs that can help achieve your economic and environmental goals.
