Swissport accelerates electric fleet expansion

Swissport International is increasing its investments in electric ground support equipment (eGSE).

As part of its commitment to achieving 55 percent eGSE by 2032, Swissport is implementing a newly adopted procurement policy that stipulates, starting January 2025, new vehicles across numerous categories can only be ordered in electric versions, says an official press release from Swissport.

By 2027, Swissport intends to procure only electric GSE, depending on the availability of the required equipment and the development of sufficient charging infrastructure at airports, the release added.

“Swissport reaffirms its goal to continuously increase the proportion of electric, zero emission ground support equipment. Over the next ten years, we will invest over a billion euros into a new electric fleet. Our strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy also supports airlines' ESG goals and reduces their supply chain emissions,” says Warwick Brady, President & CEO, Swissport International. “To support our electrification roadmap, airports must prioritise installing charging infrastructure, and ensure their electrical grids can handle increased power demands. Swissport also urges regulators and IATA to establish standardised charging connectors and protocols and to require airports to provide a minimum number of electrifiable GSE parking spaces.

At Zurich Airport, Swissport currently operates with 44 percent electric GSE and is set to reach 55 percent by the end of 2025. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Swissport has invested 2.5 million euros in electric assets and plans to transition its entire motorised GSE fleet to electric soon. At Frankfurt Airport, for which Swissport recently secured a license to provide ground services starting February 2025, the company plans to invest approximately 25 million euros in electric vehicles, the release added.