Menzies Aviation has installed almost 900 solar panels at its cargo facility at Prague Airport (PRG) in the Czech Republic.
The panels, which have been installed on Menzies’ 14,000 sqm cargo warehouse, are set to produce more than 350 megawatt hours (MWh) annually. This will save over 140 tonnes of CO2 each year, reducing emissions across Menzies’ Prague operations by 25 percent.
The electricity generated by the solar panels will be used to power operations at the warehouse, as well as to charge Menzies’ fleet of electric ground support equipment (GSE).
This installation supports Menzies’ ‘All In’ sustainability plan, which includes targets to reach net zero across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2045.
The ‘All In’ strategy includes a commitment to operating 25 percent electric GSE globally by 2025. At PRG, 53 percent of GSE is already powered by electricity.
Katy Reid, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Menzies Aviation, said:Building a fair and sustainable future is a key priority for Menzies, which is why we’re working hard to achieve the ambitious targets set out in our All In sustainability plan. The installation of nearly 900 solar panels at Prague Airport is just one example of how we’re matching our ambition with action by taking practical steps to slash emissions and meet our Net-Zero targets. We look forward to working with our airport partners and airline customers across the globe to ensure that aviation becomes the truly sustainable sector that our stakeholders expect it to be.
Menzies’ commitment to sustainable operations also aligns with Prague Airport’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) initiative.
Soňa Hykyšová, Sustainability, Environment, and ESG Director, Prague Airport, said:We are glad that Menzies Aviation is also trying to reduce emissions and, like Prague Airport, is committed to net carbon neutrality. Last year, we achieved a 59.5% reduction in emissions compared to 2009. We expect to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and net carbon neutrality by 2050.
However, we know that the road ahead is not easy. Roughly 85 percent of emissions are generated by third parties – i.e., our suppliers and airlines. Therefore, we also motivate them to reduce emissions, for example, by offering green electricity. We are very pleased that Menzies Aviation decided to install a photovoltaic power plant in Prague. We are also active in this direction and plan to expand the use of photovoltaic panels on more suitable buildings at the airport.
