Swissport Accelerates Transition to Electric Fleet

According to a recent report from Swissport, the company is making significant strides in promoting sustainability within the aviation sector by committing over €1.5 billion towards green technologies over the next five years.This investment includes acquiring new electric ground support equipment (GSE) and renewable energy initiatives, with more than 1,000 hybrid and electric GSEs already deployed across 28 nations in just a year and a half.

With an ambitious goal of achieving 55 percent of its GSE fleet as electric by 2032, Swissport is doubling down on its sustainability efforts. “We are taking tangible steps to fulfill our environmental promises,” states Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International.

“This commitment to eco-amiable technology marks a pivotal moment for us and underscores our leadership role in innovation and sustainability within the industry. Over the next five years, we aim to establish the largest fleet of electric GSE globally while supporting our airline partners’ climate objectives by minimizing emissions throughout the supply chain.”

As it stands,Swissport boasts the world’s largest GSE fleet with around 14,500 motorized units and leads in purchasing new electric equipment. This extensive scale positions them uniquely to instigate significant improvements in airport operations.

The current initiative has elevated Swissport’s global share of electric GSEs to 25%, showing notable advancements particularly at key European airports.Switzerland exemplifies this progress: Zurich (43%), basel (51.4%), and Geneva (59.4%) are all set to meet or exceed their electrification goals by late 2025. Meanwhile, amsterdam Airport Schiphol has transitioned all support vehicles to fully electric since February 2025; similarly, in London’s major airports—heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton—Swissport has doubled its eGSE presence over two years.

The newly introduced units include various types such as electric baggage tractors and pushback tractors developed through partnerships with leading manufacturers under long-term contracts that ensure quality performance and availability of equipment. Additionally, Swissport collaborates closely with airport authorities for necessary infrastructure enhancements like charging stations.

This shift towards electrification not onyl curtails carbon emissions but also boosts operational efficiency across airlines and airports alike—resulting in quieter rides for passengers along with lower maintenance costs that enhance vehicle availability while increasing automation capabilities through advanced safety features like anti-collision systems. As they expand their electrification strategy worldwide, Swissport remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with airport stakeholders including regulators and manufacturers alike; setting ambitious targets alongside a clear investment plan positions them at the forefront of creating an environmentally friendly future for ground operations within aviation.