Heathrow emissions reductions

British Airways (BA) is embarking on a multi-million-pound investment programme to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, as part of its commitment to reducing emissions both in the air and on the ground.

The airline will gradually be replacing its ground vehicles at Heathrow, such as vans and cars, cargo transporters and passenger steps, moving towards hybrid or electric alternatives where available. Already, more than 90% of BA’s vehicles and ground equipment at Heathrow are either zero emissions electrical equipment when being used or driven, (hybrids) or are operating on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.

The investment is massive, including replacing more than 750 pieces of ground equipment, including fuel bowsers from fossil fuel to HVO. BA is phasing out its fleet of 20 diesel-powered vehicles which support the loading and unloading of cargo containers onto aircraft, replacing them with Hybrid Electric models.  Over the next two years the airline will phase out all 38 diesel passenger buses.

Another innovation is the use of remote-controlled pushback vehicles, called Mototoks, for short-haul aircraft and ensuring aircraft plug into electricity at Heathrow when on stand to help power the lights and air conditioning.  

www.heathrow.com

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