At the moment, 40% of the equipment used by ground handlers at Schiphol is electric. The arrival of more electrically powered equipment is an important step towards Schiphol's ambition to have an emission-free ground operation by 2030. Furthermore, replacing fuel power units and keeping auxiliary engines switched off helps us achieve the Labour Inspectorate's requirements to improve air quality.
"With the arrival of these e-GPUs and additional electric PCAs, the aircraft's auxiliary engine can remain switched off more often. That's good for a variety of reasons. Thanks to these investments, CO2 emissions will decrease and the air quality on the apron, and thus the working conditions for staff, will improve. We are pleased that, together with KLM, dnata and Aviapartner, we have been able to create a pool where all employees on the apron can use available equipment.
The new e-GPUs will be used around the aircraft stands on Pier C and on those on the inside of Pier D. The first 13 e-GPUs are being installed in August and all 30 will be in service this autumn. Combined with the fixed power points offered at various piers, aircraft at the gate will be provided with emission-free power throughout Schiphol. Schiphol runs entirely on power from Dutch wind.
An e-GPU powers aircraft on the ground. This is needed for on-board systems such as lighting and computers in the cockpit when the engines and auxiliary engines are switched off. The power bank consists of multiple batteries powerful enough for narrow body aircraft. Schiphol, in cooperation with ITW GSE and Nissan, designed and successfully tested the mobile e-GPUs at the airport a while back. Before the arrival of these new units, there were already eight in use at Schiphol.
Electricity provides fresh air on board
By increasing the use of electrical devices that provide aircraft with fresh air, 50% of the larger types of aircraft will be able to leave the auxiliary engine off at the gate. This improvement is part of the action plan that Schiphol presented to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate to limit the use of auxiliary engines. Schiphol considers this a priority because it brings tangible improvements in working conditions and the health of apron employees.