Schiphol has officially become the first major international airport to launch a pilot involving the use of hydrogen-powered ground support vehicles on-site.
The airport has employed the use of a specially developed aircraft tow vehicle, as well as a prototype of a Toyota pick-up truck with an electric engine powered solely by hydrogen.
Schiphol has also installed a temporary hydrogen refuelling station to handle the supply of hydrogen for the vehicles.
The pilot, which will run until the beginning of October as part of the TULIPS programme, will see the vehicles used in daily operations, with the hydrogen-powered aircraft tractor towing a KLM Boeing 737 between the aircraft parking areas, hangars, taxiways and gates several times per day whilst the pick-up truck will be used by Bird Control.
Esmé Valk, Chief People & Transformation Officer at Royal Schiphol Group, said:We want to pioneer further sustainability in aviation. Hydrogen is a promising addition to battery-electric driving, especially for vehicles that are used intensively or must always be on standby, such as Bird Control and the fire brigade. By testing at the airport, we are exploring innovative solutions that contribute to emission-free ground operations.
This is not only good for the climate, but also for the air quality for our employees and the local environment.
The pilot is a collaborative effort between the Royal Schiphol Group and a number of partners within the aviation sector, including manufacturers, airlines and ground handling companies.
