Glasgow has become the first UK airport to introduce a fleet of zero-emission electric buses to its car park operation.
The three-strong fleet of all-electric battery buses, which were built in Scotland by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), will replace the current diesel fleet used to shuttle passengers between the terminal and the airport’s long-stay car park.
This is the first time the BYD ADL Enviro200EV model has been operated anywhere in Scotland and its introduction at Glasgow Airport was made possible thanks to a £450,000 (US$550,000) Green Bus Fund support grant from Transport Scotland.
Mark Johnston, Glasgow Airport’s managing director, said: “We are proud to be the first airport in the UK to incorporate a full-electric bus fleet into our car park operation.
“These state-of-the-art vehicles will play an important role in supporting our continued efforts to create a more sustainable business and will contribute significantly to further reducing carbon emissions locally at Glasgow Airport.
“The environmental benefits and considerable cost reductions associated with the introduction of these electric vehicles was very attractive.
“Moving to a full-electric bus operation cuts the carbon emissions associated with passenger travel to and from our car park from 143 metric ton per year to zero, and this significant reduction is further supported by the fact that the airport’s electricity is also supplied via renewable energy.”
Charging infrastructure for the three buses has also been installed at the airport’s long-stay car park and the fleet will be operated by NCP. At 10.8m (35.4ft) long, each bus has front and rear access points, 23 seats, three-tier luggage compartments and wheelchair provision.
The October 8 launch of the electric fleet coincides with Scotland’s Climate Week 2019. Events are being organized in schools, colleges and workplaces across the country to encourage people to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.