DHL Express is investing £16 million in electric ground service vehicles and infrastructure at East Midlands Airport across three years as part of its wider sustainability commitments.
The investment will see the introduction of 100 pieces of new electric ground service equipment as DHL aims to make its airport ground-handling operation fully electric by 2032.
The investment in electric ground service equipment is part of a wider commitment to making DHL’s International Express operation more sustainable and follows recent major announcements such as investment in sustainable aviation fuel.
The new equipment includes 28 electric tugs, 5 state-of-the-art electric ‘nose lifter’ vehicles which lift aircrafts to push them back from their parking stands, 5 high-loaders and 6 electric belt-loaders to loose load shipments.
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DHL Express VP operations EMA Hub James Neill said the investment “showcases” the logistics company’s commitment to using the “latest green innovations”.
“As well as making progress in reducing emissions resulting directly from flights and aviation fuel, it’s important that we’re looking at every aspect of our operation to make gains everywhere we can.”
East Midlands Airport’s managing director Steve Griffiths added: “DHL’s investment is a positive development as we, as an industry, take steps to decarbonise.
“We’re committed to becoming a net zero airport by 2038 and innovations like DHL’s help move us a step closer to that goal,” Griffis continued.
“As the UK’s largest pure air cargo hub, the port of East Midlands Freeport, an early adopter of green innovation in the aviation industry and a site with further untapped potential, I believe there is a bright future for us.”
