By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Munich Airport Launches Electric “Elephant” to De-Ice Aircraft
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Munich Airport Launches Electric “Elephant” to De-Ice Aircraft

Munich Airport Launches Electric “Elephant” to De-Ice Aircraft

Ranjit Shergill
Last updated: 13 March 2021 20:54
By Ranjit Shergill
3 Min Read
Share
De-Icing
Munich Airport | © Aviation Pros
SHARE

As part of its efforts to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint, Bavaria’s most prominent aviation hub, Munich Airport, has begun using an all-electric de-icing vehicle to de-ice aircraft prior to flight departure. The mastermind behind the vehicle, Danish manufacturing company Vestergaard, says the “Elephant e-BETA” is first of its kind.

No noise

Whilst the de-icing machine runs on diesel to drive to the aircraft de-icing area, it is important to note that the de-icing process is fully electric. The vehicle can perform the de-icing quietly and efficiently. An electric motor powers the spray arms and nozzles of the vehicle, and it has a lithium-ion powered battery, with a life of two to three hours (before a recharge is required), thereby enabling the possibility to de-ice up to 15 aircraft in one cycle.

Aircraft de-icing
The Electric Elephant De-Icer At Work | © Real Leaders

The future is sustainable

Vestergaard’s portfolio of Elephant products continues to live up to expectations of being energy efficient in relation to the technological advancements, producing machines that will contribute towards bringing the aviation industry closer to carbon neutral goal by 2050.

Vestergaard has been producing one man deicing trucks since the early 1980s. This One-Man Drive option available for MY Lite customers continues to show our commitment and deep understanding of our customer needs, and supporting their continued success, especially in our current and challenging economic environment.

Brock Crocker, Business Manager at Vestergaard

Initially, the Elephant e-BETA will be trialled on more sensitive aircraft at Munich Airport. Overall, it is expected the machine will reduce CO2 emissions by 87% when compared with more conventional vehicles. This can only help realise Munich Airport’s intentions to be carbon neutral by 2030. The airport is planning to reduce its attributable CO2 emissions by 60% and says it will compensate for the remaining 40%.

Munich Airport says it is planning to invest around 150 million euros between now and 2030 to achieve this ambitious goal.

Do you think Munich Airport’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 is achievable? Let us know in the comments below!

You Might Also Like

Cathay Pacific To Relaunch Flights To London Heathrow
Fast Movers; F-22 Raptor
FAA Delays Assessment for Mexico’s Category 1 Recertification
The Changi East Project | The future of Singapore’s Aviation
Flight Cancellations and Delays: How to Navigate the Chaos
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Ranjit Shergill
ByRanjit Shergill
Follow:
Aviation Reporter - Based in London, UK, Ranjit has a love for opinions and analysis, and so got into writing as it presented a golden opportunity for him to share his views across a large landscape of readers. Ranjit is addicted to travelling, whether it be the dangerously exciting backroads of Central America or a cycling journey across the River Danube. He loves to embrace cultural hotspots and feels that travelling combines exciting adventures with humbling life experiences. Outside of travel, Ranjit enjoys public speaking, darts and loves a bargain!
Previous Article ELAL taking off at LAX. Photo by Ethan Landesman “I hopped off the plane at LAX”. How are airports identified?
Next Article A TAP A330 taking off at Heathrow Int. Airport TAP Seeks Authorisation To Receive A New €463 Million Cash Injection
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Terminal 1 Departure Hall at Incheon International Airport, South Korea.
Korean Airports Strike Over National Chuseok Holiday
Airports Aviation Travel
A Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 in air.
Gulf Air Celebrates Relaunch of Direct Flights to New York
Airlines Aviation Route Development
U.S. Capitol building chained off with a “Closed Until Further Notice” sign, symbolizing a government shutdown affecting Essential Air Service funding and rural air travel across the U.S.
US Shutdown Threatens Essential Air Service as Rural Air Travel Faces Cuts
Airline Economics Airlines Aviation
JFK Airport
A Traveler’s Guide to Fast Track Options at JFK Airport
Airlines Aviation
Person sat next to the window on a plane
Why Pilot Training is the Best Investment for Your Teen’s Future
Aviation Careers
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up