Swissport Invests €1.5 Billion in Electric GSE Fleet

Swissport announced that it will invest €1.5 billion over the next five years to electrify its ground support equipment (GSE) fleet, aiming to build the largest electric GSE operation in the global aviation industry.

The company, which operates at more than 300 airports across 45 countries, said the investment will support the purchase of over 30,000 electric vehicles and related infrastructure upgrades at airport stations worldwide.

70% of Fleet to Go Electric by 2032

The initiative is part of Swissport’s long-term strategy to reduce its operational carbon emissions and meet international climate targets. The company aims to convert at least 70% of its motorized GSE fleet to electric by 2032, up from approximately 16% as of 2024.

“This €1.5 billion investment marks a turning point for Swissport and the industry as a whole,” the company said in a press release. “Electrification of our fleet is one of the key levers to achieving our emissions reduction goals.”

The investment will include the deployment of electric-powered baggage tractors, belt loaders, cargo loaders, pushback tugs, and passenger stairs. Swissport also confirmed it will partner with airport operators to expand charging infrastructure and provide training to its staff for the safe operation and maintenance of the new electric units.

Rollout Begins in Europe and North America

The project is expected to begin rolling out later this year at major hubs in Europe and North America, with a broader implementation planned for stations in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America by the end of the decade.

Swissport previously committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its own operations by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The transition to electric GSE is seen as a critical component of that commitment.

Swissport ground personnel preparing a flight for departure. (Photo: Swissport International Ltd. (SPI))

The ground services provider handles approximately 186 million passengers and 4.8 million tons of cargo annually on behalf of over 850 airline customers worldwide.

As part of the electrification roadmap, Swissport has already begun introducing electric vehicles at key airports including Zurich, Frankfurt, and Los Angeles. The company said it will continue to prioritize stations with existing grid capacity and favorable regulatory environments for rapid deployment.

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Tolga Karadeniz

Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.

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