Menzies Aviation is now performing fully electric turnarounds for Wizz Air flights at Budapest Airport (BUD) in Hungary.
This achievement has been enabled by the airports’ provision of charging infrastructure for electric ground support equipment, with all energy coming from renewable sources.
This supports the use of Menzies’ electric baggage tractors and belt loaders, passenger steps with solar panels, ground power units, pushbacks, and potable water and lavatory units.
Katy Reid, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Menzies Aviation, said:Sustainability is a top priority for Menzies, as we continue to grow our business and find ways to improve our operational efficiency. We are setting science-based targets to reach net-zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045. We are taking action by switching to electric GSE where possible and using alternative fuels. Ongoing collaboration with partners, such as Wizz Air and Budapest Airport, will be vital to achieving this ambition.
Electric turnarounds reduce carbon emissions from the ground handling process by around 80% per aircraft compared to using diesel-powered equipment.
At Budapest Airport, Menzies Aviation can currently provide fully electric turns for two Wizz Air aircraft simultaneously.
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer, Wizz Air said:We are the first airline at Budapest Airport to launch fully electric turns, thanks to our partnership with Menzies Aviation and the company’s commitment to electric GSE. It demonstrates our commitment to further reducing our CO2 intensity by 25% by 2030. Our Budapest based aircraft are all-Airbus A321neo, delivering significant environmental performance and enabling us to fly with the lowest carbon intensity in Europe. We also understand the importance of indirect emissions reduction and welcome Menzies Aviation’s investment to switch from diesel-powered to electric ground support equipment. As Budapest Airport’s largest operator, we are delighted to continue working with our local partners to find new solutions that help us reach our targets collectively as an industry.
