Australia’s newest international airport, the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), is expected to become the first in Australia to run an “almost entirely electrified” ground support equipment fleet when it opens later this year.
It was announced earlier this month that the WSI would be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, thanks to several rooftop solar systems and a big battery set to be operated by Australian-owned energy company CleanPeak Energy.
The announcement somewhat overshadowed a second partnership WSI has made, however, with Victorian company Freightquip, who will supply and operate an almost entirely electrified ground support equipment (GSE) fleet that will cover the full scope of airport operations.
When WSI officially opens in October, it will incorporate the highest proportion of electric GSE of any major Australian airport.
The full scope of GSE equipment for aircraft turnaround operations includes belt loaders, cargo loaders, baggage tractors, and pushback equipment used to tow and reposition aircraft when on the ground.
The use of a shared fleet model for all ground handlers is expected to improve coordination, utilisation, and sustainability outcomes, while an integrated single digital platform will provide real-time visibility, automated allocation, and connection with WSI’s Flight Information System.
Freightquip will also operate a dedicated specialist on-site maintenance team.
“WSI presents a real opportunity to help set a new standard for how airports approach ground operations,” said Andrew Steel, Freightquip COO and head of aviation operations.
“To provide an advanced GSE pooling operation at a brand-new airport is something our team is incredibly proud to be part of.
“We see WSI as the beginning of a much bigger shift in how the industry approaches ground operations globally.”
WSI CEO Simon Hickey also revealed that 34 electric chargers have already been installed to support “sustainable ground operations”.
“By combining GSE pooling with a predominantly electric fleet, WSI is modernising ground operations, improving fleet utilisation, safety, and ultimately reducing the environmental impact of our operations,” said Hickey.
Freightquip has a long history of supporting sustainable operations for the aviation, rail, and port sectors, including electric GSE, low-emission port solutions, and energy-efficient rail systems.
Earlier this year, Freightquip also delivered and commissioned 5 electric regional belt loaders from TLD electric chargers from Advanced Charging Technologies to regional aerodromes in the Pilbara operated by Australian mining giant Fortescue.
The partnership between Freightquip and Fortescue is just the latest step in the latter’s wholesale fleet electrification programme.
Freightquip has also rolling out electric ground support equipment at several regional airports, including airports in Launceston, Whitsundays, and Ballina, and the Ayers Rock Airport servicing Uluru.
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