Publish Time: 2025-09-23 Origin: Site
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently announced that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will become the first airport in North America to introduce shared fully electric ground support equipment (e-GSE). This equipment will be deployed first in the newly built Terminal 6 of the airport, setting a new benchmark for the sustainable development of the aviation industry.
This initiative was jointly promoted by the Port Authority, the Kennedy Airport Millennium Partners (JMP), and the Long Island-based Fortbrand Services Company. It is one of the key measures for the Port Authority to achieve its goal of "net zero emissions by 2050". According to estimates, this new system can reduce approximately 2,500 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the carbon emissions produced by a fuel-powered vehicle traveling 6 million miles.
Bid farewell to "repeated inefficiency" and reshape the ground support process with the shared electric model
Currently, the ground support model in the US aviation industry has obvious shortcomings: Airlines usually sign contracts with ground support companies, and each company uses independent diesel-powered equipment. This model not only causes repeated equipment purchases but also exacerbates airport apron congestion and generates higher carbon emissions.
The new plan for Terminal 6 will completely change this situation. The 10 boarding gates of the terminal will be uniformly equipped with "shared electric equipment pools", covering various ground support machinery such as baggage conveyors and aircraft loading and unloading machines. JMP and Fortbrand will monitor the equipment in real time through telematics software, precisely tracking the GPS location, battery power, driver authorization status, speed control situation, and maintenance requirements to ensure maximum operational efficiency.
To ensure the equipment is available 24 hours a day, the airport will also deploy "on-site + off-site" dual charging stations to provide energy support for the stable operation of the electric ground support equipment.
The heads of various parties expressed their opinions: Promoting aviation emission reduction with innovative technologies
The heads of the Port Authority and its partners highly praised this project, believing that it will provide an example for the sustainable transformation of the aviation industry in North America.
Rick Corton (Executive Director of the Port Authority) said: "The Port Authority is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, which is a leading goal in the United States. This includes promoting the full adoption of various commercialized zero-emission ground support equipment in the region's airports. The collaboration between JMP and Fortbrand for the shared electric ground support equipment at Terminal 6 is an important and inspiring step towards this goal."
Kevin O'Toole (Chairman of the Port Authority) recalled: "When the Port Authority proposed the ambitious goal of 'net zero emissions' two years ago, we clearly stated that it must rely on new technologies, and electric ground support equipment was a key part of it. Now, our newly built, aiming to be a world-class terminal, can also play a leading role in emission reduction, which is very consistent with our original intention."
Steve Sodi (CEO of JMP) emphasized: "We are very pleased to launch this innovative shared electric ground support service plan. It will not only completely change the ground support operation model at Kennedy Airport but also provide a reference for other airports in the United States in the future."
The Chief Operating Officer of JMP, Karen Ali, further explained the advantages of the new model: "At Kennedy Airport's Terminal 6, the days of repeated equipment purchases will be gone forever - this means reduced carbon emissions and improved aircraft operation efficiency." The all-electric ground support fleet jointly monitored and maintained by us and Fortbrand and other partners will bring about changes to airlines and demonstrate our company's determination to implement sustainable concepts in terminal operations."
Jared Villano, the CEO of Fortbrand Services, said in combination with the company's background: "Fortbrand was established 40 years ago with the intention of providing services to New York's airports. Now, being able to collaborate with JMP to provide necessary equipment, maintenance, and fleet management services for the innovative operation of Terminal 6 at Kennedy Airport, we are extremely excited."
It is reported that Terminal 6 of Kennedy Airport is expected to be officially opened in 2026. At that time, this shared electric ground support equipment system will also be put into use simultaneously, injecting new impetus into the green transformation of the North American aviation industry.