DHL Express has announced that one in three of its ground handling tractors and loaders at Brussels Airport will be fully electric this summer.

Over the past days and weeks, the cargo transporter has put 11 electric tractors (which can tow up to four cargo containers) and 13 electric container lifts, belly loaders and pushbacks into operation at the airport.

The introduction of more electric ground handling equipment – which sort and transport time-critical shipments – forms part of DHL Express’ involvement in Brussels Airport’s Stargate project which includes a consortium of 21 partners.

The project partners have been awarded subsidies under the European Green Deal to develop projects for greener aviation.

DHL Express says that it aims to develop a fully electric ground fleet in phases at the airport in the coming months and years, with machines that are both more sustainable and quieter than their diesel counterparts.

The necessary charging infrastructure will be provided by Brussels Airport both on the tarmac and at its own buildings.

The cargo transporter’s crew buses and tarmac cars are already 100% electric.

Kirsten Carlier, chief executive of DHL Aviation, said: “Electrifying a third of the ground equipment in just a few weeks – that’s quite a feat by our technical department.

“A heavy electric tractor or a high loader for an aeroplane are not exactly the kind of vehicles you take along to the garage.

“All the maintenance and training is carried out by DHL employees, now including that of the new electric tractors and chargers.

“From now on, we will continue to expand our electric ground fleet in phases; the fossil fuel machines will be systematically phased out and will soon be a minority.”

Arnaud Feist, chief executive of Brussels Airport, said: “We are pleased that we are taking the next important step in the electrification of ground-handling equipment within our Stargate project, and that DHL Express is taking the lead.

“This can drastically reduce both CO2 emissions and the noise impact of ground operations, which is important for both staff and local residents.

“We will, of course, help to provide the necessary charging points on the tarmac.

“We will also be testing hydrogen-powered ground handling equipment within Stargate to see which infrastructure is needed for this too so that we can support all our partners in their evolution towards more sustainable ground handling equipment.”

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