Cathay Cargo Terminal successfully completed an autonomous tow tractor (AET) trial at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), with the AET independently finishing end-to-end cargo transfer workflows. The trial featured a unique precise docking solution for seamless ULD loading and enhanced digital security check-in/out, and was co-conducted with Airport Authority Hong Kong and Chinese autonomous driving firm UISEE. The trial proves AETs can advance cargo workflow efficiency, reduce manual processes and carbon emissions, while reinforcing HKIA’s leadership in smart logistics and sustainable aviation.

Leeds Bradford Airport has expanded its electric vehicle fleet to 12 with seven new additions, a key step toward its 2030 net zero target. It clarifies that EV emissions fall into Scope 2 while fuel-powered vehicle emissions are Scope 1, and cutting both is critical to its decarbonization goals. Joselyn Rankin notes that on-site partners like airlines are the main source of the airport’s emissions, and the airport is committed to supporting partners’ decarbonization efforts through constructive discussions. In addition to electrification, the airport has launched a 2,000-litre hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) trial for heavy airside vehicles such as passenger transfer buses, which can reduce emissions by up to 90% and bring multiple operational benefits.

Edmonton International Airport, Canada’s first airport to do so, will pilot DTI’s hydrogen-diesel technology on runway snow sweepers with Alberta Innovates’ funding. Aimed at cutting ground operation carbon emissions, promoting hydrogen use and advancing aviation sustainability, the project involves retrofitting sweepers with DTI’s Guardian System (enabling Tier 3 diesel engines to use hydrogen as supplementary fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions without major infrastructure changes). It will address Tier 3 engines’ challenges, with retrofits starting this spring and taking about a year. The initiative is crucial for aviation sustainability and will demonstrate hydrogen’s potential in high-demand environments, facilitating global off-road operation transformation.

Fusion Processing has collaborated with Construct Invest to deploy a 4-level fully automatic electric airport bus equipped with the CAVstar autonomous driving system. This system has undergone 90,000 kilometers of field testing and can reduce operating costs by 30%, energy consumption by 7%, and also improve efficiency by replacing the on-board driver with a remote operator. In addition, it offers advantages such as enhanced safety, reduced fuel consumption, and decreased tire and brake wear. The two parties aim to help the airport improve ground traffic efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and promote the practical application of autonomous driving technology.

Skytanking's acquisition of Active Automobile Electrical. Active Automobile Electrical is an automotive electrical service provider that offers services to over 80 ground support equipment (GSE) vehicles at Sydney Airport, supports the regional airport network in New South Wales, and provides on-demand services to all other major airports in Australia.

Based on the remote-controlled vehicle test conducted at Kansai International Airport in April 2023, the first EZTow unmanned Level 4 trial was launched. This trial was jointly carried out by Lotte Air, Panasonic Holdings, Nagase Technical Services and Kansai Airport. There were no on-board operators throughout the process. The trial will verify the equipment's ability to pass through narrow spaces such as the baggage claim area in the actual airport operation environment, as well as its ability to identify and respond to pedestrians.

DNATA plans to expand its fleet by 800 advanced low-emission ground support equipment (GSE) units by 2025 based on the long-term global contract signed with leading manufacturers in 2024. The related agreement is valued at 210 million US dollars. The equipment will be deployed in 10 countries (with a focus on the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, etc.).

FLYYO has entered into a partnership with BGS. The latter will provide ground handling services for FLYYO at Vilnius International Airport, as well as refueling services for Vilnius and Kaunas International Airports. This collaboration is an important step for FLYYO to enter the Lithuanian market. The airline has also launched two weekly flights between Vilnius and Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Both parties' managers are confident in this partnership. BGS stated that it will assist FLYYO in its expansion in Europe and globally. FLYYO recognized BGS's professional service capabilities and looks forward to the project being successfully implemented and operated.

Swissport and Aurrigo will conduct a pilot project on autonomous driving technology at Zurich Airport. The project will be implemented in two phases: first, the AutoSim digital simulation platform will be deployed to simulate ground handling operations, explore the potential for automation and support data-driven planning; then, the Aurrigo automatic tractor-trailer Auto-DollyTug will undergo on-site testing (this equipment has functions such as 360° obstacle detection, which can enhance ground handling safety and efficiency).

DOLL has completed an upgrade for its Half Cut high-position loader. By replacing the traditional rearview mirrors with a camera system, equipping it with 3D sensing and collision avoidance radar, and installing a full-process docking assistance system, the company has significantly enhanced the driver's field of vision and operational safety. Moreover, this equipment has passed the EU GSR II safety regulations certification and ECE crash tests.

Menzies Aviation has acquired Spirit Cargo Handling, which was formerly part of SAS Ground Handling Norway. This acquisition will increase its annual cargo handling capacity by 150,000 tons, significantly expanding its business in Europe.

Textron GSE has launched the Premier TT4000 tanker truck, which is specifically designed for aviation ground support operations. It has a capacity of 4,000 gallons and an advanced pumping system, enabling efficient refueling of de-icing equipment and reducing downtime.

SkyUp Airlines started operations from Riga and Tallinn airports in May 2022 via cooperation with tour operator Join UP!, and established a refuelling partnership with BGS in November that year, which has now been renewed. Amid geopolitical challenges, both sides affirm mutual trust and long-term commitment; BGS will ensure smooth refuelling operations to support SkyUp’s EU expansion, while SkyUp values the reliable partnership for sustained growth in the dynamic aviation industry.

Machinery accounts for 80% of Finavia’s fuel consumption, covering equipment such as runway sweepers, snowploughs and maintenance vehicles. Given that their power demands make electrification challenging, Neste’s renewable diesel offers a viable solution to cut emissions from the existing fleet without requiring additional investments or modifications. Joni Pihlström, Vice President of B2B Sales, Marketing & Services at Neste, commended Finavia as a forerunner among airports for its systematic emission reduction efforts, adding that he hopes the use of renewable diesel and the remarkable results of their long-term collaboration will set an encouraging example across various industries.

Swissport is investing heavily in green technologies to achieve the target of a 55% electric Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fleet by 2032 and expand renewable energy application across its global operations. Over the past 18 months, the company has deployed over 1,000 hybrid and electric GSE vehicles in 28 countries, with its electric GSE accounting for 25% of the global fleet and making remarkable progress in key European hubs such as Switzerland and the UK.

GCG Barbados' investment in its GSE fleet will enhance tourists' travel experiences and drive Barbados' economic and workforce development. The investment reflects GCG's commitment to sustainable growth by improving local infrastructure and nurturing local talent. Currently, GCG has strengthened its operational capabilities through cross-training programs and seasonal workforce expansion.

On June 20, SAASA took delivery of two TPX-200MTX towbarless tractors from TLD, which completed the first batch of equipment consisting of 25 GSE units and 25 pallet carrier dollies. This delivery is part of the airport’s ongoing annual equipment investment plan. SAASA’s General Manager Enrique Vargas noted that the investment prioritizes operational safety and advanced technology, as the new equipment including loaders and motorised ladders is equipped with telemetry systems and approach sensors to enhance aircraft ground operation safety.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and JGS will trial the HALO system at the local ground handling control station. This move is part of their extensive efforts to modernize and digitize their ground handling processes.

DNATA has deployed six electric EZTow automatic luggage tow vehicles developed by TractEasy at the Dubai World Center (DWC) airport. These vehicles are used to take over the luggage transportation tasks between aircraft and terminals that were previously handled by human drivers within strict time limits.