Finavia has been awarded EU funding for a new, large-scale electrification project for apron operations at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL).
The project, which is set to cost around 18.75 million EUR, aims to reduce the overall emissions from parked aircraft, as well as support the transition of the entire airport ecosystem towards lower-emission operations.
In 2024, HEL achieved net zero emissions for its own operations, with the new electrification project enabling other stakeholders within the airport community to reduce their emissions.
With the use of EU-compliant opportunities for the use of ground power and pre-conditioned air at Helsinki-Vantaa; Finavia aims to promote the transition of the aviation value chain towards lower-emission transport.
The project itself will consist of the construction and commissioning of a number of solutions that enable the supply of both ground power and pre-conditioned air (PCA) to parked commercial aircraft, responding to EU legislative requirements for major airports to begin providing such amenities at aircraft stands equipped with passenger boarding bridges by the end of 2030.
Meanwhile; renewable energy production and storage will also be increased to ensure that the airport’s energy infrastructure can cope with peak loads in the future.
The EU has pledged support for up to 30% of the project – a total of 5.625 million EUR.
Jani Jolkkonen, Finavia’s Director responsible for safety, technology, infrastructure and the environment, said:The Helsinki-Vantaa electrification project is one of Finavia’s most significant environmental investments in recent years. It supports the ability of airlines and ground handling companies to reduce their emissions and to build more sustainable air transport.
Current forecasting expects the project to be completed by autumn 2028 – two years before the EU regulatory deadline of 2030.
