Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-05 Origin: Site
Brussels Airport launched a selection process in February 2024 to appoint service providers for key ground operations (including baggage handling, ramp handling for passenger and freighter aircraft, freight/mail transport, and catering transport). Sustainability, particularly electrification, was a core criterion to advance the airport’s goal of fully electrifying ground operations, supported by EU Commission funding via the BREEZE programme. Proposals were assessed for legislative compliance and sustainability metrics, aligning with the airport’s new environmental permit requiring 80% of airside vehicles to be electrified or zero-emission by 2030.
Licence awards included dual accreditations for Aviapartner Belgium and Alyzia (baggage handling and passenger aircraft ramp handling); Aviapartner Cargo, dnata, and Menzies Aviation secured freighter aircraft ramp handling licences, with the first two plus Alyzia winning freight and mail transport licences. Gate Gourmet Belgium was awarded a catering transport licence on 17 December 2024, while the search for a second catering supplier continues to meet the minimum requirement of two licensed handlers.
To support the electric transition, Brussels Airport secured €7.2 million for the BREEZE programme, targeting over 300 decentralized charging stations by December 2027 (to boost energy efficiency and reduce heavy vehicle movements) and electricity supply for stationary aircraft. The airport will also reinforce its power grid and expand on-site electricity production (including additional solar panels to reach 5 MWp capacity). CEO Arnaud Feist noted the programme strengthens the airport’s sustainability leadership and accelerates overall decarbonization by enabling handlers and airlines to electrify fleets and operations.
