By Warwick Brady, President and CEO, Swissport

As the global leader in aviation ground services, we are very aware of Swissport’s responsibility to also lead by example when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions. In line with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), we have committed to short-term CO2 reduction targets as well as mid-term net-zero targets.

Our commitment: We are investing one billion euros.

Swissport is the largest operator of airport ground support equipment (GSE) in the world. At some 14,300 units of motorised GSE, our fleet is larger than even the asset pool of the sector’s biggest lessor. We have been investing heavily in electric vehicles and will continue to do so. By 2032 we aim for a share of at least 55% of our fleet, which will help reduce our CO2 emissions by 42% compared to 2022.

Our investment in electric GSE will amount to over a billion euros over the next ten years. For many fleet categories electric GSE (eGSE) is already our standard. As per our electrification policy, we are gradually phasing out the procurement of fossil-fueled GSE. By 2027, we will only procure eGSE, contingent upon the availability of the required equipment types and the provision of adequate charging points at airports. Over the next three years, some 90% of fleet additions will be electric.

At Swissport, our commitment to protecting our planet is strong and proactive as we believe it is a prerequisite for the long-term profitability of the company and our sector as a whole. And our commitment goes beyond promises. In Amsterdam, Netherlands, the share of electric vehicles in our fleet has passed 43 percent. Our cargo operations in Barcelona, Spain, and in Graz, Austria, are fully electric already. In Rome, Italy, we are investing around eleven million in new vehicles, the majority in electric vehicles. Three million euros will be invested in Australia this year alone.

A joint effort: More chargers and more fleet innovation needed.

To get tangible results fast, we invite our partners and customers in the aviation ecosystem to work with us and contribute their fair share. Airports, manufacturers of GSE, airlines and of course aviation service companies must team up.

Firstly, our fleet of electric vehicles – from apron tractors to stairs and high loaders - can only grow if charging infrastructure is available in the required numbers. At most airports, it is in the responsibility of airport operators to provide this infrastructure. At present this is often still a limiting factor. We encourage our airport partners around the world to increase the number of charging points significantly and swiftly.

Secondly, our electric fleet can only grow if manufacturers broaden their model range and increase production. Here, too, we call for a significant acceleration so that we can receive more environmentally friendly vehicles more quickly.

And finally, we need the support of our airline customers. They have been making truly impressive progress in reducing their own Scope 1 emissions through massive fleet renewal programs. As the focus of international politics is increasingly on Scope 3 emissions, global aviation now needs to make the next step via holistic solutions.

At Swissport, we are investing heavily in new electric equipment, and we trust that airlines will partner with us to invest in a greener future. After a record financial year for many airlines, we believe the industry is again in good financial shape allowing us to jointly prioritise sustainable investment decisions over short-term cost decisions.  Beyond a successful operational collaboration, airlines, and aviation service providers like us should meet at eye-level when tackling the biggest issue humanity is facing.

Ground handlers are strategic service partners and enablers for airlines. If all airline customers pay fair prices, we can invest in modern, ecological equipment even more quickly. The societal tide is shifting. Customers opt for responsible brands. Young talents prefer employers whose values align with their own. Add to this the legal risk of corporate ignorance in environmental terms and the decision is an easy one.

Let’s speed it up together.