Swissport Commits €1.5 Billion to Build World’s Largest Electric GSE Fleet and Boost Renewable Energy

(IN SHORT) Swissport has pledged more than €1.5 billion over five years to accelerate its transition to a fully electric ground-support fleet and expand renewable energy across its global operations. Already, 25% of its 14,500 GSE units are electric after recent purchases of over 1,000 hybrid and electric vehicles deployed in 28 countries. Major European hubs—Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Amsterdam—are set to exceed 55% electrification by 2025 year-end, while UK operations have doubled their eGSE presence at all four London airports. The eco-fleet, sourced via long-term manufacturer partnerships, benefits from dedicated charging infrastructure and yields quieter, safer, and more reliable service. In cargo, Swissport’s warehouses in Barcelona and Madrid run solely on renewables, Nairobi uses solar power for cold rooms, and Frankfurt hosts the airport’s largest photovoltaic installation. Recognised with EcoVadis Platinum status, Swissport reaffirms its position at the forefront of sustainable aviation ground operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, Switzerland, 2025-Jul-1 — /Travel PR News/ — Swissport is accelerating the aviation ground-services sector’s shift to net-zero by committing over €1.5 billion in eco-innovations over the next five years. This landmark investment will underpin the deployment of electric ground support equipment (GSE) and the expansion of renewable-energy projects across its global operations.

Over the past 18 months, Swissport has already added more than 1,000 hybrid and fully electric vehicles to its fleet in 28 countries. Today, a quarter of its 14,500-unit motorised fleet runs on battery power—a figure the company aims to double by 2032 through its fleet-renewal programme. “These concrete steps showcase Swissport’s leadership in sustainability and technical excellence,” said Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International. “By building the world’s largest electric GSE fleet, we’re not only slashing emissions in airport supply chains but also helping our airline customers meet their climate commitments.”

In Europe, Swissport’s electrification is already bearing fruit. Zurich (43% electric), Basel (51.4%), and Geneva (59.4%) airports are on pace to surpass the 55% electrification threshold by year-end 2025. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has operated an all-electric support-vehicle fleet since February 2025. In the UK, Swissport has doubled its eGSE footprint across Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton in just two years.

The newly introduced equipment—from baggage tractors and belt loaders to push-back tugs and passenger stairs—is sourced under long-term agreements with leading manufacturers. Swissport also partners with airports to install the necessary charging infrastructure and optimise power supplies. Beyond reducing carbon and particulate emissions, the switch to electric delivers quieter, safer vehicles, lower maintenance costs, improved availability, and greater potential for automation.

Complementing its GSE rollout, Swissport is expanding renewable energy use in its cargo operations. In Spain, the Barcelona and Madrid warehouses now run entirely on green power, cutting CO₂ emissions by 305 tons annually. A 100 kW solar array in Nairobi provides 35–40% of cold-room energy for perishables, and Frankfurt’s ground-breaking photovoltaic system generates over 1.5 million kWh each year.

Swissport’s achievements have earned it Platinum status from EcoVadis—the only global aviation-services provider in the top 1% worldwide for environmental, social, and governance performance. With a clear roadmap and ambitious targets, the company continues to raise the bar for efficiency, safety, and sustainability in airport ground operations.

Media contact:
media(at)swissport.com

SOURCE: Swissport International AG