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The global leader of airport ground services and air cargo handling, commits to reduce the use of fossil-fuel powered vehicles in favor of more efficient and environmentally friendly ground support equipment, especially electrically powered vehicles (eGSE). Between 2016 and 2018, Swissport increased the number of eGSE from 925 to 2,420 vehicles, among them electrical cargo lifters and battery-powered aircraft pushback tractors.
“As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, Swissport is committed to responsible business principles. We integrate sustainability into our decision-making,” said Eric Born, president and CEO of Swissport International AG, as the company published its 2019 Sustainability Report this week. “Ultimately, sustainable business contributes to positive results and to value creation, increasing our flexibility to invest in environmentally friendly equipment and in social matters. With our ambitious multi-year fleet modernization program, Swissport will further raise the share of electrically powered vehicles to at least 50 per cent by 2025 and continue to reduce its carbon footprint.”
Part of the total investment in state-of-the-art GSE is for the introduction of telematic systems into our global fleet. Telematics optimize equipment utilization and contribute to a reduction of the fuel consumption. Investing in eGSE can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and the carbon footprint by up to 40 per cent at some airports, avoids harmful exhaust emissions and noise pollution and creates a healthier working environment for staff.
At Swissport, sustainability is integrated into the strategic and operational objectives. The company is currently preparing the implementation of a new group-wide environmental management system ready for 2020. Next to the obvious environmental benefits, this will support Swissport in creating value. The continuous improvement of a sustainable service delivery also benefits Swissport’s corporate airline clients and their sustainability profile.
