Between the airport's two terminals and aviation facilities, ground support vehicles are at work each day delivering fuel, repositioning aircraft and carrying luggage from planes. While some airlines are using electric vehicles, most of the vehicles in use today are hydrocarbon fuel powered and generate tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere each year.
The Airport Authority Board of Directors voted to approve a new policy requiring the change at its September 2009 meeting. The change requires airlines and fixed-base operators to replace five types of gas-powered vehicles commonly used on the ramp areas, including:
- Aircraft tugs that have a maximum weight of 12,500 pounds that move aircraft in size up to Boeing 757's from the gate areas
- Baggage cart tractors
- Baggage conveyor belt loaders
- Hydrant fueling vehicles
Under the new policy, these vehicles will change to electric vehicles by January 1, 2015. The extended time line gives tenants time to make arrangements to replace vehicles. To facilitate the change, the Airport Authority will install ground charging stations outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. |
