Skytanking has ordered two custom-made electric hydrant fuel dispensers following a successful, large-scale trial at Brussels Airport (BRU).
These vehicles dispense aviation fuel from the underground hydrant system into the aircraft.
During a test period from mid-October 2022 until mid-May 2023, two electrically-repowered units were used for over 2,200 refuellings.
Throughout the trial, data was collected to provide insight on the optimal battery performance, chassis and charging infrastructure for the operation of the vehicles in different conditions. Information was also gathered on energy consumption for each aircraft model being refuelled.
After the successful testing period, Skytanking has now ordered its own custom-made 100% electric hydrant fuel dispensers, which will be built on an original electric chassis to allow for easy reproducibility.
These custom vehicles are expected to enter service in early 2024.
This initiative is part of the Stargate project, an EU Green Deal project led by Brussels Airport to research new ways to decarbonise ground handling activities. The results of its projects will allow for replications of the same principles at other airports across Europe.
