Sustainable Ground Handling

Sustainable Ground Handling –

Eco-Friendly Practices and Green Equipment

Introduction

Environmental sustainability has become a central focus in aviation, and that extends to ground handling operations. Airports and ground service providers are implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and mitigate the environmental impact of servicing aircraft.

This article examines how ground handling is going green – from electrifying support vehicles to reducing waste – and looks at the initiatives driving sustainable transformation on the ramp. By adopting cleaner technologies and practices, ground handlers are contributing to aviation’s broader goal of carbon neutrality while also improving local air quality and working conditions.

The Push for Greener Ground Operations

Aviation’s climate goals (such as the industry pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050) require action not just in the air but also on the ground. Traditionally, ground handling activities have relied on diesel-powered equipment and processes that generate emissions and waste.

For example, a busy airport ramp might have dozens of diesel baggage tugs and belt loaders expelling exhaust, and ground power for aircraft was often provided by onboard auxiliary power units (APUs) burning jet fuel. These activities contribute to carbon emissions, air pollution (particulate matter and NOx) at airports, and noise.

Recognizing this, there is a concerted effort to make ground operations more sustainable. In fact, IATA has explicitly included “embedding sustainability – people, planet, and prosperity – in all activities” as one of three top priorities for ground handling in recent years.

Sustainable ground handling practices not only reduce environmental impact but can also yield cost savings (through energy efficiency) and improve safety (electric equipment tends to require less maintenance and has lower fire risk from fuel, etc).

Key avenues of sustainability in ground handling: reducing carbon emissions via electrification and cleaner energy, minimizing waste and pollution, and improving resource efficiency.

Electrification of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Replacing diesel-powered GSE with electric alternatives is at the heart of sustainable ground handling. Ground support equipment – including pushback tractors, baggage tugs, belt loaders, catering trucks, and cabin power units – historically ran on fossil fuels. Electric GSE (eGSE) now offers a viable, zero-emission replacement for most of these.

The benefits of eGSE are significant. An IATA-commissioned study in Europe found that electrically powered GSE produce 48% less CO₂ emissions on average (accounting for power generation emissions) than equivalent equipment with internal combustion engines. On a global scale, if all GSE were electric, it’s estimated that ground handling CO₂ emissions could be reduced by 1.8 million tonnes per year. This is a substantial contribution to aviation’s climate goals. Additionally, electric GSE are quieter – noise levels are 5.5 to 8 dB(A) lower, which improves working conditions for ramp staff and reduces airport noise pollution for surrounding communities.

Airports around the world are transitioning their fleets. Many new baggage tractors and belt loaders being purchased are battery-electric models. For instance, Delta Air Lines has made large investments such that some of its hubs have nearly all-electric ramp vehicle fleets. In Europe and Asia, several major ground handling companies have committed to aggressive electrification targets.

Menzies Aviation, one of the largest global ground handlers, announced that as of 2023, 17% of all its motorized GSE worldwide is electric, including 42% of its equipment in Europe.

This progress put Menzies ahead of its goal to have 25% of its global GSE fleet electric by 2025. The company ultimately aims for a 100% zero-emission GSE fleet as part of its net-zero 2045 strategy.

Airports are facilitating this shift by installing the necessary infrastructure: charging stations and upgraded power supply on the ramp.

For example, some airports have designated charging zones near gates where electric tugs can plug in between flights. Portable battery units are also used in some cases to recharge GSE in remote areas without fixed chargers.

There are challenges – initial costs of electric GSE are higher, and airports must invest in electrical infrastructure. Charging logistics need to be managed so that vehicles don’t run out of power during critical operations. However, many ground handlers report that electric GSE has lower maintenance and fuel costs, which offset the investment over time. Additionally, governments and airport authorities often provide incentives (grants, reduced fees) for adopting cleaner technology.

In addition to battery-electric, some airports are testing alternative fuels for GSE as interim solutions. This includes biofuels or renewable diesel for existing diesel engines, and even hydrogen fuel cell technology for GSE. For example, hydrogen fuel cell baggage tugs have been trialed that emit only water vapor. These alternatives can cut emissions while using current equipment designs, but the long-term trend strongly favors electrification due to its energy efficiency and dropping battery costs.

One often overlooked piece of GSE is the ground power unit (GPU) and pre-conditioned air (PCA) units that supply electricity and air conditioning to parked aircraft. Traditionally, if a gate didn’t have fixed electrical and air hookups, aircraft would run their APUs (small jet engines in the tail) to power lights, ventilation, and avionics during turnarounds – burning fuel and emitting CO₂.

Deploying electric mobile GPUs and PCA units means the aircraft’s engines can stay off, eliminating those emissions. Many airports are now requiring gate operations to use either fixed electrical ground power or mobile electric GPUs instead of APUs. This has a huge impact: shutting off APUs can save hundreds of kilograms of fuel and several tonnes of CO₂ per flight. Airports like Oslo and Heathrow have APU usage restrictions for this reason.

Overall, electrification of GSE and using external electrical power for aircraft on the ground are among the most effective sustainability measures in ground handling. They directly cut scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from operations) for ground handling companies and scope 3 emissions (indirect, via reduced APU use) for airlines. As grid electricity itself becomes greener with more renewable energy, the carbon footprint of electric GSE will drop even further over time

Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction

Beyond vehicles and fuel, sustainable ground handling also involves reducing waste and managing resources wisely. Several initiatives illustrate this;

Eliminating Single-Use Plastics and Waste in Operations: Ground handling involves some disposable materials – plastic wrap for cargo pallets, zip ties for baggage, packaging from catering supplies, etc. Many handlers are moving to reduce or recycle these materials. For instance, some airlines instruct ground crews not to automatically plastic-wrap baggage containers unless necessary, cutting down on plastic use.

Catering units are replacing plastic seal covers with recyclable paper where possible. Any plastic that is used (shrink wrap, etc.) is increasingly collected in dedicated bins on the ramp for recycling rather than being sent to landfill. Menzies Aviation reported investing in “circular cargo packaging solutions” to reuse and recycle materials in their operations.
Water Management: Ground handling uses water for cleaning aircraft, equipment, and in some cases de-icing (though de-icing is usually managed by specialized teams). Sustainable practices include using biodegradable and low-toxicity detergents for aircraft cleaning and ensuring waste wash water is captured rather than drained to the apron (to prevent chemical runoff).

Some airports have built water reclamation systems for vehicle wash facilities so that much of the water is treated and reused. During de-icing, modern trucks can recover unused de-icing fluid and recycle it. All these efforts minimize water consumption and prevent pollution of local waterways.
Energy Efficiency in Facilities: Ground handlers often have large operations centers, cargo warehouses, and vehicle depots at airports. Greening these facilities is part of the sustainability push. Examples include installing solar panels on the roofs of cargo terminals to power offices and charging stations, upgrading lighting to LEDs, and using smart building systems to reduce heating/AC when not needed.

Some ground handling bases have achieved carbon-neutral facility operations through such measures and by purchasing renewable energy. For instance, a ground handler might power its warehouse with on-site solar and purchase offsets for any remaining emissions, effectively making its base operations carbon neutral even before tackling vehicles.
Reducing Vehicle Idling and Optimizing Use: Even before full electrification, a simple sustainable practice is to enforce no-idling policies for diesel GSE when not in active use (to cut fuel burn and emissions). Many companies train drivers to shut off engines if waiting more than a couple of minutes. Additionally, optimizing logistics – e.g., ensuring baggage carts are fully loaded to reduce number of trips – also conserves fuel. These efficiency measures are a win-win, saving fuel costs and emissions.
Sustainable Procurement: Ground service providers are looking at the sustainability of the products they use. This can range from using bio-based hydraulic fluids in GSE (to avoid petroleum use and potential soil contamination from leaks) to choosing suppliers who offer products with recycled content or take-back programs (for example, a company might use uniforms made from recycled fibers, and the vendor will recycle them at end-of-life). Every little bit contributes to a smaller environmental footprint.

Collaborative Initiatives and Standards for Green Ground Handling

Airports’ Sustainability Programs

Many airports have their own sustainability strategies that include scope for ground handling. For example, Airports Council International (ACI) runs the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, which encourages airports to reduce emissions including those from ground handling activities (scope 3 emissions). Airports at higher accreditation levels actively work with ground handlers to provide infrastructure like electric charging and set targets for emission reductions on the apron.

Swedavia, which operates Swedish airports, reached net zero operations at 10 airports (through emission cuts and offsets) – largely by ensuring all airport vehicles and GSE are renewable-powered and by eliminating fossil fuel use in operations. This shows airports can drive sustainability by example and sometimes by policy (e.g., offering only renewable diesel on site until full electrification is feasible).
IATA’s Sustainability Roadmap for Ground Operations : In 2023, IATA released a sustainability roadmap focused on People, Planet, and Prosperity for ground operations. For the Planet pillar, the roadmap emphasizes transitioning to low-emission GSE (electric or biofuel), improving energy efficiency, and ultimately contributing to aviation’s net-zero 2050 goal. It also recognizes that making these changes can improve the Prosperity (financial sustainability) of ground handling companies by reducing fuel costs and avoiding potential carbon taxes or emissions fees in the future.
Science-Based Targets and Ground Handling Companies: Several major ground handling firms have committed to science-based emissions targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Menzies Aviation, for instance, had its carbon reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – aiming to cut 50% of scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 (from 2022 levels) and significant scope 3 reductions as well. Achieving this involves converting a large portion of its GSE to electric, investing in renewable energy for facilities, and optimizing vehicle use. Such public commitments and validations add credibility and urgency to sustainability efforts in ground handling.
Training and Staff Engagement: Sustainability is also about culture. Ground handlers are starting to train and engage staff on eco-friendly practices. Simple steps like avoiding engine idle or reporting water leaks can involve everyone. Some companies have “green teams” or incentive programs (for example, awarding the station that reduces energy use the most year-over-year). When ramp workers are conscious of sustainability—like shutting off a GPU promptly when done or ensuring recycling bins are used correctly—the cumulative effect is substantial.
Monitoring and Reporting: What gets measured gets managed. Ground handling providers are increasingly tracking metrics such as GSE fuel usage, GSE electrification percentage, waste recycling rates, etc. Many publish these statistics in annual sustainability reports or include them in airport environmental reporting. This transparency and data-driven approach helps identify areas for improvement and track progress. For instance, a handler might set a KPI to reduce diesel consumption per turn by X% and monitor it monthly, adjusting operations accordingly.

Balancing Sustainability and Operational Demands

Implementing sustainable practices in ground handling must be balanced with maintaining operational performance and safety. Fortunately, many green initiatives yield operational benefits too (as we’ve seen with electric GSE having lower maintenance downtime, or digital processes improving efficiency). However, challenges exist, such as electrification targets.

Infrastructure Lag
An airport’s electrical grid capacity might limit how fast GSE can transition to electric. Large charging loads need upgrades to avoid straining the system, and coordination with local utilities is necessary. Some airports are exploring on-site renewable energy generation (solar, wind) specifically to help power ground operations sustainably. For example, Delhi Airport installed solar panels that partly power its electric GSE fleet (reducing both emissions and energy costs).
Range and Utilization of eGSE
Electric GSE need to have sufficient battery range or quick charging to match the flexibility of diesel. Ongoing improvements in battery technology are extending operating times. In addition, fast chargers and swap-out battery packs are strategies used to keep eGSE ready. Ground handlers often start electrifying the equipment with more predictable use patterns (like baggage carts that do short, regular loops) while perhaps keeping a few diesel units for very extended operations until technology catches up.
Extreme Weather Considerations
Sustainability measures must hold up under extreme conditions. Electric equipment in very cold climates might face reduced battery performance, so handling companies in such regions may need heated battery bays or choose equipment with proven cold-weather reliability. Similarly, biofuel blends for diesel GSE must be tested for hot/humid conditions to avoid engine issues. These are engineering challenges that manufacturers are actively addressing, ensuring that “green” equipment is as robust as traditional gear
Cost and Investment
Transitioning to sustainable operations can have high upfront costs. Ground handling is a low-margin business, so companies often seek support from airports or governments (grants, favorable lease terms) to make these investments. The long-term savings in fuel and potential future carbon costs increasingly justify the expenditures. Moreover, there is competitive and reputational advantage in being seen as a sustainable operator, especially as airlines look to green their supply chain and may favor ground handling partners with strong sustainability credentials.

Despite these challenges, the trajectory is clear: ground handling is steadily becoming more sustainable. Milestone after milestone is being reached – from entire airports going net-zero in ground emissions to ground handling companies achieving significant interim targets (like converting nearly half their equipment to electric, or using 100% renewable energy for their facilities).

Crucially, these efforts contribute to both global environmental goals and local environmental quality. Lower ramp emissions mean cleaner air for airport workers and nearby communities (diesel exhaust reduction improves respiratory health outcomes). Less ramp noise from electric GSE and APUs means a better environment for workers (reducing hearing loss risk) and less disturbance to airport neighbors. Sustainability in ground handling thus has direct human benefits alongside climate benefits.

Conclusion

Sustainable ground handling is no longer a niche experiment; it is rapidly becoming the new normal in aviation services. Through electrification of equipment, smarter energy use, waste reduction, and industry collaboration, ground handlers are shrinking their environmental footprint. These changes align with the broader decarbonization of aviation and demonstrate that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with efficient operations.

Every electric baggage cart put into service, every diesel engine turned off, every recycling bin filled with plastic that will be reprocessed – each is a small victory that adds up to significant progress. The ramp of the future will feature fleets of quiet, zero-emission vehicles zipping between planes, personnel trained not just in safety and efficiency but also in sustainability, and an operational mindset that values resource conservation.

For passengers, many of these changes are invisible – they may simply notice the air is a bit cleaner when boarding via stairs, or that there isn’t the smell of diesel around their aircraft. But as part of the flying experience, knowing that even the servicing of their flight is being done in an eco-friendly manner can enhance an airline’s brand and customer satisfaction.

In sum, sustainable ground handling is a critical piece of the green aviation puzzle. The technologies and practices are available today and continue to improve. With commitment from all stakeholders, the goal of fully eco-friendly ramp operations is within reach. This will ensure that as air travel grows, it does so responsibly, with ground operations contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry for generations to come.

References

1. IATA. “Ground Handling Priorities: Safety, Global Standards & Sustainability.” Press Release, May 7, 2024. Emphasizes embedding sustainability (people, planet, prosperity) in all ground handling activities, highlighting it as a top priority alongside safety and standards.

2. IATA.“Forging a Sustainable Path Forward – IGHC Speech 2024.” IATA Pressroom, 2024. Notes that transitioning GSE to electric or biofuels is part of reaching aviation’s net-zero 2050 goal, and states IATA is supporting ground handlers in moving toward cleaner GSE power.

3. IATA. “Ground Ops of the Future – Planet Pillar.” IATA Sustainability Roadmap, 2023. Cites a study showing electrically powered GSE produce ~48% less CO₂ than conventional GSE on average, and that globally this could cut 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂ annually if all GSE were electric. Also notes electric GSE significantly reduce ramp noise by about 5.5–8 dB(A).

4. Menzies Aviation. “Net Zero Targets Approved by SBTi – Press Release.” June 13, 2024. Details Menzies’ commitment to reach net-zero by 2045 and its interim achievements, including 17% of its GSE fleet being electric (42% in Europe) as of 2023, ahead of a 25% by 2025 goal. Highlights investment in electric GSE and solar panels as part of its All In sustainability plan.

5. Swedavia. “Swedavia Achieves Net Zero Operations.” ACI Europe Release, 2021. Announces that 10 airports operated by Swedavia (Sweden) reached net zero carbon emissions for their operations, largely through electrifying vehicles and GSE and sourcing renewable energy.

6. Delta Air Lines. “Delta Accelerates Electrification of Ground Equipment.” Delta News Hub, 2022. Describes Delta’s nearly 100% electric ground support fleets at Salt Lake City and Detroit hubs, demonstrating the viability of all-electric ground operations and resulting in cleaner, quieter ramp environments.

7. Airports Council International (ACI). “Airport Carbon Accreditation – Guidance for Ground Handlers.” 2022. Explains how airports at higher ACA levels work with ground service providers to reduce scope 3 emissions (e.g., providing electric power at gates, setting emission reduction targets for handlers). Encourages collaborative efforts in sustainability.

8. European Alternative Fuels Observatory. “Electric Ground Support Equipment at Airports.” EAFO Report, 2020. Lists common GSE types already electrified (pushbacks, belt loaders, baggage tugs, etc.) and notes that six types of GSE are routinely available as electric versions. Discusses the importance of charging infrastructure and grid capacity for airport electrification.

9. IATA. “People, Planet, Prosperity – Ground Handling Sustainability Roadmap.” IATA Ground Handling Conference 2023. Highlights the three pillars of sustainable ground ops: investing in people (training, retention), planet (electrification, emission reduction), and prosperity (efficiency and cost reductions through digitalization and green tech).

10. UK CAA. “Reducing Pollution from Airport Idling and APU Use.” Guidance Note, 2022. Recommends best practices for ground handlers and airports to minimize use of aircraft APUs and vehicle idling. Notes that using fixed electrical ground power instead of APUs can save significant fuel and emissions, and provides examples from airports that have mandated APU-off policies to improve local air quality.

Sustainable Ground Handling –

Eco-Friendly Practices and Green Equipment

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