Glasgow has become the first UK airport to introduce a fleet of zero-emission electric buses to its car park operation.
The three-strong fleet of Enviro200EV battery-electric buses, which were built in Scotland by Alexander Dennis and BYD, will replace the current diesel fleet used to shuttle passengers between the terminal and the airport’s long-stay car park.
The model’s introduction at Glasgow Airport was made possible following a £450,000 Green Bus Fund support grant from Transport Scotland.
Mark Johnston, Glasgow Airport’s managing director, said: “We are proud to be the first airport in the UK to incorporate a full-electric bus fleet into our car park operation.
“These state-of-the-art vehicles will play an important role in supporting our continued efforts to create a more sustainable business and will contribute significantly to help further reduce carbon emissions locally at Glasgow Airport.
“The environmental benefits and considerable cost reductions associated with the introduction of these electric vehicles was very attractive.
“Moving to a full-electric bus operation cuts the carbon emissions associated with passenger travel to and from our car park from 143 tonnes per year to zero, and this significant reduction is further supported by the fact that the airport’s electricity is also supplied via renewable energy.”
The new zero-emission fleet combine BYD’s electric driveline and battery technology with Alexander Dennis bodies, which have been specially adapted to suit Glasgow Airport’s operational requirements.
Charging infrastructure has also been installed and the fleet will be operated by NCP. At 10.8m (35.4ft) long, each bus has both front and rear access points, 23 seats, three-tier luggage compartments and includes wheelchair provision.
The introduction of the new electric bus fleet is one of a number of projects introduced to help reduce Glasgow Airport’s carbon footprint.
Earlier this year, the airport invested £200,000 to deploy eight Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4×4 vehicles across its airfield operations.
