Loganair completes first all-electric aircraft turnaround

Regional airline Loganair has achieved its first all-electric aircraft turnaround.

The milestone took place at Stornoway Airport and follows Loganair’s £2 million investment in new ground handling technology.

The all-electric aircraft turnaround comprises disembarking and boarding passengers, loading, and unloading luggage and cargo, cleaning, catering, and refuelling.

The airline is acquiring nearly 100 new items of ground equipment across its operation.

These include electric baggage tractors, electric luggage belts, solar-powered boarding ramps, and hybrid ground power units.

These GPUs provide power to aircraft while they are parked at the gate, allowing crews to reduce fuel consumption.

When fully incorporated across Loganair’s ground operations in the Highlands and Islands, it will mitigate the need for over 70,000 litres of diesel annually.

Electric ground handling is the latest initiative to be adopted by the airline in its GreenSkies programme.

GreenSkies has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.

This involves a small mandatory charge on all fares to invest in accredited global carbon offsetting schemes.

Maurice Boyle, COO said: “We are proud of this historic moment and the contribution it will make to our GreenSkies pledge.”

“Our new electric equipment creates a much cleaner and user-friendly working environment.”

Following Stornoway, Highlands and Islands airports in Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Benbecula will soon receive Loganair’s new electric ground equipment.

The last remaining diesel-powered ground equipment is being phased out by the end of this summer.

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