Monday, February 10, 2025

DHL EXPRESS LEADS THE WAY IN ELECTRIFICATION OF GROUND FLEET AT BRUSSELS AIRPORT

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As part of Brussels Airport’s Stargate project, DHL Express is pioneering the use of electric ground-handling equipment. Following a successful test phase, DHL Express plans to convert one in three of its tractors and loaders to fully electric models this summer. This initiative is part of DHL’s broader effort to significantly reduce its CO2 footprint on the ground.

Currently, DHL Express’s crew buses and tarmac cars at Brussels Airport are already fully electric. The new investment in electric ground equipment marks the first step towards halving DHL Express’s CO2 emissions from ground operations. To support this transition, both Brussels Airport and DHL Express are providing the necessary charging infrastructure.

Recently, DHL Express introduced eleven electric tractors, capable of towing up to four cargo containers, and thirteen electric container lifts, belly loaders, and pushbacks at Brussels Airport. The company aims to fully electrify its ground fleet in phases over the coming years, replacing diesel-powered machines with more sustainable and quieter electric alternatives.

Kirsten Carlier, CEO of DHL Aviation, praised the technical department’s efforts: “Electrifying a third of the ground equipment in just a few weeks is quite a feat. From maintenance to training, all operations for the new electric tractors and chargers are handled by DHL employees. We will continue to expand our electric ground fleet in phases, systematically phasing out fossil fuel machines.”

The Stargate project, supported by a consortium of 21 partners including DHL Express, is part of the European Green Deal, which provides subsidies for developing greener aviation projects. In its first phase under Stargate, DHL Express committed to a test project for electric ground-handling equipment. Now, the company has significantly advanced this effort by electrifying a third of its ground-handling fleet, reinforcing its leadership in this area.

Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, emphasized the project’s impact: “We are pleased that DHL Express is taking the lead in the electrification of ground-handling equipment within our Stargate project. This initiative will drastically reduce both CO2 emissions and noise from ground operations, benefiting staff and local residents. We are also exploring hydrogen-powered equipment to support our partners’ shift towards more sustainable ground operations.”

With the commissioning of eleven electric tractors and thirteen loaders and lifts, DHL Express now boasts the largest electric ground fleet at Brussels Airport. Ground-handling equipment currently accounts for 55 percent of the total CO2 footprint of DHL Express’s ground operations. Full electrification is expected to halve these emissions, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.

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