Frankfurt opens Green Gate to showcase ground handling initiative

OCT 13, 2015: The E-PORT AN initiative partners; Fraport AG, Lufthansa Group, the State of Hesse and the Rhine-Main model electro-mobility region, opened the first “Green Gate” at Frankfurt Airport. At Lufthansa Gate A15 passengers can now inform themselves about the numerous electric mobility projects at Germany´s largest airport. As an important project component, the “Green Gate” presents aircraft ground services which in the future can be largely carried out with electric vehicles. The partners present their activities using models, information panels and animations, including solar-powered passenger airstairs, electric conveyor belt vehicles, hybrid aircraft tugs and electric pallet trucks.

Up to 20 different vehicles are used to service an aircraft. As a first step E-PORT AN is consolidating existing electric vehicles and integrating new electrically driven developments into the aircraft servicing process. Emissions and noise will thus be reduced, improving both the environmental footprint and working conditions on the apron. In addition, the effect of large-scale use of electric vehicles on the airport´s power grid is being considered. The aim of all E-PORT AN participants is to deploy more electric vehicles and thus come closer to the vision of a “green” aircraft ground servicing.