Photo: Munich Airport
Munich Airport in Germany has partnered with ground handling partner, AeroGround, to launch its electric bus depot.
The inauguration of the charging facility marks another step in the airport’s strategy for achieving zero-emission operations on the airport apron.
The depot currently features 37 charging stations for battery-electric passenger transport vehicles. A further 13 charging points are due to go online in the coming months, while a third expansion stage will include the installation of 22 additional chargers and carports within the next two years. These will be equipped with photovoltaic systems enabling them to be powered by renewable energy.
Jost Lammers, Munich Airport CEO explained that half the airport’s current ground fleet already runs on battery power. The airport currently saves more than 2,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. “This project is another big step forward for our ‘Net Zero 2035’ strategy, bringing us closer to operating as a carbon-neutral airport.”
Once the full transition to electric vehicles is complete, Munich Airport is expected to save over 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Lammers was joined at the official inauguration by Ulrich Lange, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport and AeroGround Managing Director David Konradi.
“By subsidising 72 electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure, we are providing Munich Airport with targeted support to modernise its bus fleet,” said Lange.
“This sends a clear signal for progressive mobility, both for domestic and international guests. This investment also demonstrates that innovative technologies are advancing beyond theory.”
AeroGround currently operates 37 zero-emission transport units for apron passenger services, consisting of 20 standard-length and 17 articulated buses. It will supplement its fleet with an additional 18 vehicles by the end of 2025. As highlighted by Lange, the long-term target is to expand to up to 72 vehicles.
The ground services firm is steadily converting all its ground handling equipment to alternative powertrains. In 2024, 173 new zero-emission vehicles were introduced, including transporters, conveyor belts, stairs, lift trucks and passenger cars.
