Menzies Aviation has successfully installed almost 900 solar panels at its cargo facility at Prague Airport, saving almost 140 tonnes of CO2 each year.

The panels are set to produce more than 350 megawatt hours (MWh) annually and reduce emissions across Menzies Aviation’s Prague operations by 25%.

The panels have been installed at the 14,000 sqm cargo warehouse, a neighbouring administrative building and on the building’s façade.

The electricity being generated by the solar panels is being used to power operations at the warehouse and charge Menzies Aviation’s fleet of electric ground support equipment (GSE).

This aligns with Menzies Aviation’s ‘All In’ sustainability plan, which includes science-based targets to reach net-zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045.

Net-zero ambition

Katy Reid, head of sustainability and corporate responsibility at 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 Aviation’s commitment to sustainable operations aligns with the ESG strategy of Prague Airport, which has been certified under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) initiative since 2010.

Soňa Hykyšová, sustainability, environment, and ESG director at 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% 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.”

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