The UK’s largest regional carrier, Loganair, has completed its maiden all-electric aircraft turnaround, revolutionizing its ground operations and fostering a cleaner environment for local communities.
Loganair’s Chief Operations Office, Maurice Boyle, expressed immense pride in this historic moment for the airline, emphasizing its positive impact on its GreenSkies pledge.
We are incredibly proud of this historic moment in Loganair’s operations and the contribution it will make to our GreenSkies pledge to become carbon neutral by 2040.
Our new electric equipment replaces diesel-powered machinery, reducing our use of fossil fuels but also creating a much cleaner and user-friendly working environment for our staff.
Being first out of the block is a great achievement for our Stornoway staff and great for the island community. I hope our customers will welcome our progress and get on board with us as we continue our journey towards sustainable aviation.
Revamping Ground Handling with Cutting-Edge Technology
The groundbreaking achievement unfolded at Stornoway Airport in the captivating Outer Hebrides, following Loganair’s substantial £2 million investment in state-of-the-art ground handling technology. This forward-thinking approach has empowered the airline to procure nearly 100 new pieces of ground equipment, including electric baggage tractors, electric luggage belts, solar-powered boarding ramps, and hybrid ground power units (GPUs).
The GPUs play a crucial role by supplying power to parked aircraft, allowing engines to be switched off, thereby significantly reducing fuel consumption.
Green Operations and Environmental Stewardship
Upon full integration across Loganair’s operations in the picturesque Highlands and Islands, this innovative equipment will eliminate the need for over 70,000 litres of diesel annually, translating into greener procedures that mitigate the environmental impact of air travel.
The shift to electric ground handling will also create a quieter and cleaner working environment, benefiting the airline’s dedicated staff. This momentous milestone forms a pivotal component of Loganair’s comprehensive GreenSkies environmental program.
After the successful implementation at Stornoway, Loganair’s electric ground equipment will soon be deployed at Highlands and Islands airports in Sumburgh, Kirkwall, and Benbecula. By the end of this summer, the last remnants of diesel-powered ground equipment will be phased out, underscoring Loganair’s unwavering commitment to greener and cleaner operations.
About Loganair’s GreenSkies Project
Launched in 2021, GreenSkies encompasses a range of initiatives designed to propel the airline toward carbon neutrality by 2040. Notably, Loganair has introduced a modest mandatory charge on all fares, with the proceeds directed toward accredited global carbon offsetting schemes.
The airline also introduced the GreenSkies Community Fund, established to finance local renewable energy projects to solidify its sustainability commitment further. As part of its fleet renewal strategy, Loganair is poised to replace its Saab 340 aircraft with new ATR turboprops, resulting in a remarkable 27% reduction in carbon emissions per seat.
Loganair remains at the forefront of trialing and testing future flight technologies, actively collaborating as a key partner in pursuing innovative and environmentally friendly aviation solutions.
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