British Airways revealed plans to invest significantly in overhauling its ground equipment at London Heathrow, aligning with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This investment marks a continuation of the airline’s sustainability efforts across air and ground operations.
As part of an investment of $8.8 billion (£7 billion) over three years, British Airways intends to upgrade its ground equipment fleet at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), where conventional fuel is still utilized.
Although 90% of the carrier’s ground equipment comprises zero-emission electric vehicles or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fueled vehicles, the remaining 10% reliant on fossil fuels will undergo replacement.
The airline’s goal is to transition entirely to zero-emission electric vehicles, with HVO fuel serving as an interim solution. HVO fuel demonstrates high efficiency, saving over 6,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Among the upgrades, British Airways plans to replace diesel-powered passenger steps with electric counterparts, reducing fuel consumption and saving over 370 tonnes of CO2 annually. The airline targets completion of most replacements by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the airline will introduce 135 new electric baggage tugs, accounting for 40% of the fleet at LHR. These tugs will incorporate advanced battery and charging technology for enhanced efficiency.
To further sustainability, British Airways aims to phase out its fleet of 38 diesel-powered passenger buses over two years, with 23 replaced by electric buses and the remainder by HVO-fueled alternatives. The initiative not only reduces carbon footprint but also enhances air quality around the airport, with an estimated annual CO2 emissions reduction of 800 tonnes.
While British Airways progresses in its sustainability journey, the aviation industry faces challenges in transitioning to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Current SAF production meets only a fraction of the industry’s fuel requirement, emphasizing the need for continued investment and innovation in sustainable aviation technologies.
