Sustainable Aviation
The Aviation Challenge Advances Sustainable Aviation with KLM Leadership
The Aviation Challenge fosters industry-wide sustainable aviation innovations with KLM’s initiatives and measurable CO₂ reductions.
The Aviation Challenge: Revolutionizing Sustainable Aviation Through Innovation and Collaboration
The Aviation Challenge (TAC) has emerged as a leading force in the commercial aviation industry’s pursuit of Sustainability. With KLM’s filtered seawater initiative at the forefront, the challenge exemplifies how airlines are rethinking operations to reduce environmental impacts. Organized by the SkyTeam airline alliance, TAC has evolved from its beginnings as The Sustainable Flight Challenge, now focusing on measurable, industry-wide impact. The 2025 theme, “IMPACT,” underscores the aviation sector’s shift from experimental sustainability measures to scalable, practical solutions that can be adopted globally. KLM, now in its fourth year of participation, showcases a suite of innovations, from AI-powered water calculation to filtered seawater bottles, demonstrating a holistic approach to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.
This article explores the origins and evolution of The Aviation Challenge, details KLM’s leadership and specific sustainability initiatives, reviews industry-wide participation and measurable outcomes, and examines the broader context of aviation decarbonization. By analyzing these facets, we aim to provide a balanced, fact-based perspective on how collaborative innovation is shaping the future of sustainable flight.
The Aviation Challenge: Origins and Evolution of Industry Collaboration
The Aviation Challenge was conceived by SkyTeam as a response to the pressing need for collective action in aviation sustainability. Drawing inspiration from the 1934 World’s Greatest Air Race, TAC reimagines competition by focusing on environmental stewardship rather than speed. The initiative was rebranded from The Sustainable Flight Challenge in July 2024, signaling a broader vision that encompasses operational efficiency, passenger experience, and industry transformation, in addition to environmental goals.
SkyTeam’s CEO, Patrick Roux, has emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting, “when it comes to operating more responsibly, The Aviation Challenge demonstrates how even small changes add up to make a big difference when we work together.” This ethos underpins the challenge’s structure, which encourages incremental operational improvements alongside the pursuit of breakthrough technologies. The challenge’s reach has grown steadily, with 24 Airlines participating in 2024 and 22 confirmed for 2025, including new entrants beyond the SkyTeam alliance.
Since its inception, TAC has involved 28 unique airlines, resulting in the development and implementation of over 500 innovative solutions. The commitment to sharing these solutions industry-wide has created a collaborative knowledge base, benefiting not just individual airlines but the entire sector as it strives for sustainability.
KLM’s Innovation Leadership and Specific Initiatives
KLM’s approach to The Aviation Challenge is multifaceted, addressing sustainability across all stages of flight operations. The airline’s filtered seawater bottles initiative, for example, tests the use of filtered seawater as an alternative to standard bottled water. This reduces onboard weight, cuts packaging waste, and explores new resource streams, aligning with KLM’s strategy of involving passengers in environmental efforts without compromising service quality.
Another standout is KLM’s AI-based water calculation system, which uses artificial intelligence to predict the exact amount of water needed onboard. This reduces unnecessary weight and emissions by eliminating the historical practice of over-provisioning. Pilots are also testing new efficiency tools to optimize flight paths, leveraging real-time data and advanced planning software to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
KLM’s meal pre-selection in World Business Class allows passengers to choose meals in advance, reducing food waste and encouraging lighter packing. Meanwhile, the airline’s digital boarding pass initiative has led to an 84% reduction in printed passes since May 2024. Additionally, KLM offers priority boarding to passengers contributing to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), directly linking customer participation to sustainability funding.
“KLM’s four consecutive years of participation have established it as a leader in aviation sustainability innovation, with its 2025 initiatives demonstrating a shift from experimental concepts to scalable operational improvements.”
Showcase flights for 2025 include routes such as Amsterdam-Rome (Airbus A321neo), Amsterdam-Nairobi (long-haul), and Amsterdam-Kraków (Embraer E195-E2). These flights serve as testbeds for multiple sustainability initiatives under real operational conditions.
Industry-Wide Participation and Impact Measurement
The Aviation Challenge’s effectiveness is measured not just by individual innovations but by its ability to drive industry-wide improvements. In 2024, 24 airlines operated 33 showcase flights, achieving a 10% average improvement in CO₂ intensity and a 20%+ reduction compared to the industry average. Even with a 9% increase in revenue tonne-kilometers, total CO₂ emissions per flight decreased by 2%, proving that sustainability can align with operational growth.
The challenge received 327 innovative solution submissions in 2024, evaluated by experts from organizations like the Netherlands Aerospace Centre. Of these, 141 solutions have been implemented by airlines, demonstrating a practical transition from concept to operational reality. Award categories cover direct impact, organizational transformation, leadership, and inspiration, ensuring recognition across all facets of sustainability.
Participating airlines commit to sharing their solutions, creating a culture of open innovation. This collaborative environment is critical for scaling successful initiatives and establishing new industry standards.
“The 2024 challenge results provide compelling evidence of the initiative’s effectiveness in driving measurable environmental improvements.”
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Technology Pathways
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is widely regarded as the most promising decarbonization pathway for aviation in the near to mid-term, yet its adoption remains limited. SAF currently accounts for about 0.1% of the global jet fuel market, primarily due to high costs and limited production capacity. However, 2024 saw supplied volumes double to 1 million tonnes, and regulatory mandates in regions like the EU and UK are set to accelerate adoption from 2025 onward.
The European Union’s SAF mandate requires a gradual increase in SAF usage, from 2% in 2025 to 70% by 2050. While SAF is 2-6 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, about 60 airlines have set specific SAF targets for 2030, reflecting a strong industry commitment. Most SAF is currently produced using Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology, which relies on limited feedstocks like used cooking oil. Alternative pathways such as Fischer-Tropsch and Alcohol-to-Jet are being explored for scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Lifecycle analyses show that SAF can reduce emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil jet fuel. Leading suppliers like SkyNRG avoid food crop-based feedstocks to prevent deforestation and food security issues, focusing instead on waste streams and captured carbon. The sector is also exploring synthetic fuels and carbon capture as future solutions, though these technologies are not yet commercially viable at scale.
Global Aviation Decarbonization Context and Future Outlook
Aviation accounts for approximately 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, with a small percentage of the population responsible for the majority of flights. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have both set net-zero targets for 2050, but these ambitions face challenges related to implementation, reliance on offsets, and the need for interim benchmarks.
Technological solutions beyond SAF include electric and hydrogen propulsion. Electric aircraft are limited to short-haul routes due to battery constraints, while hydrogen-powered flight requires major infrastructure changes and is still in early development. Investments in SAF production, such as World Energy’s $5 billion commitment in the US, demonstrate confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.
The transition will require coordinated investment, supportive government policy, and continued innovation. Policy tools like production tax credits, research funding, and infrastructure investment will be critical for scaling up sustainable aviation technologies and practices.
“To align with 1.5°C temperature targets, the international aviation industry needs to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% below 2019 levels by 2050, while making deep cuts to non-CO₂ emissions.”
Operational Innovation and Implementation Strategies
Airlines like KLM are optimizing aircraft weight by introducing lighter catering equipment and cargo pallets, which can save up to 150 kilograms per flight. Electrification of ground operations, as seen with Air France’s commitment to 100% electric ground equipment by 2030, reduces airport emissions and operational costs.
Flight operations are being optimized through advanced planning, AI, and collaboration with air traffic control. Maintenance practices, such as KLM Cityhopper’s engine washing, enhance fuel efficiency and component longevity. Catering and cargo operations are also being reimagined to reduce waste and emissions, with initiatives like SAS’s recycled cardboard pallets and Kenya Airways’ local basket use.
Digital transformation, including mobile boarding passes and electronic documentation, further reduces waste and enhances operational efficiency. These changes demonstrate that sustainability improvements can be integrated seamlessly into existing operations.
Passenger Engagement and Behavioral Change Initiatives
Passenger engagement is becoming a cornerstone of airline sustainability strategies. KLM’s priority boarding for SAF contributors and filtered seawater bottles are examples of how airlines are incentivizing environmentally conscious behavior. Education around baggage weight and digital engagement platforms further empower travelers to participate in sustainability efforts.
Airlines are leveraging in-flight announcements and digital channels to communicate the benefits of sustainability initiatives, while tracking participation rates and environmental outcomes. Balancing passenger convenience with environmental goals remains a key challenge, requiring careful design and transparent communication.
Success metrics include reductions in printed boarding passes, baggage weight, and food waste, as well as increased participation in SAF programs and positive passenger feedback on sustainability efforts.
Conclusion
The Aviation Challenge exemplifies the aviation industry’s shift toward collaborative, measurable sustainability efforts. KLM’s diverse initiatives, from filtered seawater bottles to AI-driven resource management, illustrate how airlines can systematically address environmental impacts without compromising service or efficiency. The challenge’s evolution and expansion signal a maturing industry approach, moving from isolated experiments to integrated, scalable solutions.
As the sector works toward net-zero emissions, TAC’s results, such as a 10% improvement in CO₂ intensity and the successful implementation of 141 new solutions, demonstrate that meaningful progress is achievable through industry-wide collaboration. The future of sustainable aviation will depend on continued innovation, supportive policy, and the willingness of airlines, passengers, and stakeholders to embrace change for the benefit of both the industry and the planet.
FAQ
What is The Aviation Challenge?
The Aviation Challenge is a global initiative, organized by the SkyTeam alliance, that encourages airlines to develop, test, and share innovative solutions to reduce aviation’s environmental impact.
How is KLM contributing to sustainable aviation?
KLM is piloting several initiatives, including filtered seawater bottles, AI-driven water calculation, efficient flying tools, meal pre-selection, digital boarding passes, and priority boarding for SAF contributors.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and why is it important?
SAF is a jet fuel alternative made from renewable resources or waste streams, capable of reducing lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuels. It is seen as a key pathway to decarbonizing aviation.
How are airlines measuring the impact of their sustainability initiatives?
Impact is measured through reductions in CO₂ intensity, implementation of new solutions, operational efficiency, and industry-wide knowledge sharing. TAC’s results are independently evaluated by experts.
What are the main challenges for the aviation industry in achieving net-zero emissions?
Challenges include high costs and limited supply of SAF, technological barriers for electric and hydrogen flight, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for coordinated investment and policy support.
Sources:
KLM Newsroom
Photo Credit: KLM
Sustainable Aviation
Hawaiian Airlines Electrifies 73% of Honolulu Ground Fleet with Electric Vehicles
Hawaiian Airlines replaces 116 diesel and propane ground vehicles with electric models at Honolulu airport, supported by Hawaii DOT’s charging infrastructure.
This article is based on an official press release from Hawaiian Airlines.
On May 18, 2026, Hawaiian Airlines announced a significant milestone in its environmental strategy by unveiling a new fleet of fully electric ground support equipment (GSE) at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL). According to the official press release, the carrier is replacing 116 legacy diesel and propane-powered vehicles with lithium battery-powered alternatives.
This transition marks a major operational shift at Hawaiian’s primary hub. By eliminating the fossil fuel consumption, fumes, and noise associated with the older vehicles, the airline aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while lowering ongoing maintenance costs.
The initiative was made possible through a strategic infrastructure partnerships with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT), which has heavily invested in the charging network required to support such a large-scale deployment.
Scaling Up Electric Ground Operations
Equipment and Daily Impact
The newly deployed electric fleet replaces 116 baggage tractors, belt loaders, and aircraft pushback tractors. With this rollout, lithium battery-powered GSE now constitutes 73% of Hawaiian Airlines’ total ground support fleet at the Honolulu hub, according to the company’s announcement.
These vehicles are critical to daily operations. The press release notes that the equipment will be utilized by hundreds of ramp workers who process more than 8,500 checked bags daily and support approximately 180 daily flight arrivals and departures at HNL.
Following extensive testing and feedback from its ramp teams, Hawaiian Airlines selected specific models to meet its operational demands. The new fleet includes Charlatte T137 baggage tractors, Charlatte CBL2000 belt loaders, and Kalmar TBL100 towbarless pushback tractors. Notably, Charlatte engineers custom-modified the belt loaders to enhance their versatility, enabling them to service both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft in Hawaiian’s fleet.
Enhancing Ramp Worker Safety
Beyond environmental benefits, the transition introduces several features designed to improve the working environment for ramp employees. The new baggage tractors feature a redesigned cab configuration that protects operators from sun, wind, and rain. Additionally, the electric belt loaders are equipped with an advanced, sensor-guided aircraft approach system designed to prevent collisions and enhance safety during loading procedures.
Infrastructure and State Partnerships
HDOT’s Crucial Investment
The electrification of Hawaiian’s ground fleet relies heavily on infrastructure investments from the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. According to the provided research report, HDOT has already installed 30 GSE charging stations, which provide 60 charging ports across multiple locations at the Honolulu airport.
Expansion of this network is already underway. An additional four charging stations, yielding eight more ports, are currently under construction and are expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. To incentivize the adoption of sustainable practices, HDOT is providing Hawaiian Airlines and other airline partners access to these charging stations at no cost for two years.
Ryan Spies, Managing Director of Sustainability for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in the company’s official statement:
“Electrifying our ground support fleet in Honolulu, our second-largest hub, represents an important step in our long-term sustainability strategy. By investing in cleaner, quieter and more efficient equipment, we’re reducing our environmental impact, enabling safe and reliable operations, and improving the workplace for our teams and the travel experience for our guests. We extend a big mahalo to the state of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation for their partnership and investment in the GSE charging infrastructure at Honolulu’s airport.”
Broader Sustainability Context
AirPro News analysis
We view this announcement as a key indicator of Hawaiian Airlines’ accelerated environmental initiatives following its integration into the Alaska Air Group. With Ryan Spies overseeing sustainability for both carriers, this massive fleet overhaul aligns seamlessly with Alaska Air Group’s broader corporate goals, which include achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
This move also reflects a wider, airport-wide sustainability push at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Previously, the airport partnered with Sustainability Partners to implement Webasto PosiCharge systems for ground equipment. Delta Airlines was the first carrier to adopt that initial system, reporting estimated monthly savings of $25,000 in diesel and propane costs. Hawaiian Airlines’ deployment of 116 vehicles represents a massive scaling up of this green initiative at HNL.
Furthermore, Hawaiian’s sustainability efforts extend beyond ground operations. The airline has been actively exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in partnership with local refinery Par Hawaii. The long-term goal of this partnership is to produce SAF locally, eventually replacing up to 25% of Hawaiian Airlines’ fuel demand for island flights, which would help buffer the state from fluctuating imported crude-oil prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of Hawaiian Airlines’ ground fleet at HNL is now electric?
Following the replacement of 116 legacy vehicles, 73% of Hawaiian Airlines’ ground support fleet at the Honolulu hub is now powered by lithium batteries.
What specific equipment is being replaced?
The airline is replacing diesel and propane-powered baggage tractors, belt loaders, and aircraft pushback tractors with electric models from Charlatte and Kalmar.
Who is funding the charging infrastructure?
The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has invested in the charging infrastructure, installing 30 stations with 60 ports, and is offering the charging at no cost to airline partners for two years.
Sources
Photo Credit: Hawaiian Airlines
Sustainable Aviation
ICAO Highlights Funding and Standards for Aviation Net-Zero by 2050
ICAO calls for global investment and unified regulations to scale Sustainable Aviation Fuels from 1 MT to 490 MT by 2050 to meet net-zero targets.
This article is based on an official press release and statement from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The global aviation sector has officially moved past the debate over whether it can decarbonize. According to a definitive statement published on May 15, 2026, by Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the industry must now confront the harsh realities of funding, infrastructure, and implementation. As the sector prepares for the upcoming ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026, the focus has shifted entirely to whether the global community will make the hard choices required to meet its climate targets.
In his official publication, Salazar issued a stark warning to industry leaders and governments alike: fragmented decarbonization efforts risk not only missing the 2050 net-zero targets but also permanently forfeiting public trust. The core of ICAO’s message centers on the urgent need for massive, multi-decade global investments in SAF and the harmonization of regulatory standards to facilitate this unprecedented energy transition.
With 2026 marking the 10th anniversary of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), the pressure is mounting. While incremental efficiency gains and early SAF blending have provided a foundational model, ICAO stresses that the scale required for true transformation is far greater than what has been achieved to date.
The Scale of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Challenge
Bridging the Massive Production Gap
According to the data provided in the ICAO research report, SAF alone must deliver over half of the aviation sector’s emissions reductions to successfully meet the 2050 Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG). However, the gap between current production and future requirements is staggering.
The ICAO report projects that the expected SAF volume required by 2050 sits between 380 and 490 million tonnes (MT). For context, global SAF production in 2024 was only around 1 MT. Bridging this monumental gap requires sustained, multi-decade investment at a global scale, specifically mobilizing capital into energy production and supply chain infrastructure.
The Cost of Fragmentation and the Need for Certainty
While over 150 Member States, representing 99% of global air traffic, have submitted action plans to ICAO, Salazar emphasizes that these plans alone are insufficient without unified global standards. Differences in sustainability criteria and incentives across borders create fragmented markets, which stifle cross-border fuel flows and complicate global airline operations.
“Only clear standards create the regulatory certainty needed for massive, long-term investments in infrastructure and innovation.”
Salazar further warned in his statement that if the industry and governments fail to choose urgent cooperation, the consequences will be severe, noting that “the sector may find itself grounded by a climate reality it cannot escape.”
ICAO’s Financial and Regulatory Interventions
To help bridge the gap between high-level ambition and on-the-ground implementation, ICAO has launched several key initiatives aimed at supporting member states, with a particular focus on developing nations.
The Finvest Hub and ACT-SAF Programme
A primary mechanism highlighted in the ICAO release is the Finvest Hub. Launched to connect vetted sustainable aviation projects, such as SAF production facilities and clean energy infrastructure, with potential public and private investors worldwide, the Hub acts as a critical matchmaking platform. The first operational gateway, Finvest@ETAF, was established in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
“It is a first-of-its-kind gateway between project developers and financiers… this matchmaking function, using ICAO’s sustainability criteria, helps de-risk investments while ensuring environmental integrity.”
Complementing this financial matchmaking is the Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme. Launched in June 2022 under the ethos that “No Country is Left Behind,” ACT-SAF provides tailored support, regulatory guidance, and funding for feasibility studies. According to the ICAO report, recent feasibility studies have been launched or completed in countries including Argentina, Peru, Panama, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, echoed the importance of these initiatives in the official release, stating that the success of aviation’s environmental transition relies heavily on “strong partnerships and accessible funding, particularly for developing States.”
AirPro News analysis
We at AirPro News observe that the aviation industry is currently caught in a critical tension between fragmented regional policies and the desperate need for global convergence. The data released by ICAO underscores a stark reality: scaling SAF production from 1 MT to upwards of 490 MT in just over two decades is not merely an operational challenge; it is one of the largest capital mobilization efforts in the history of modern transportation.
The establishment of the Finvest Hub indicates that ICAO recognizes its role must evolve from a purely regulatory body to an active facilitator of green finance. However, the success of this matchmaking platform will ultimately depend on whether private equity and institutional investors view SAF infrastructure as a de-risked, viable long-term asset. If regional governments continue to implement conflicting sustainability criteria, that perceived risk will remain high, potentially stalling the very investments ICAO is trying to catalyze.
Looking Ahead to ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026
The immediate proving ground for these initiatives will be the ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026, scheduled for June 2–4, 2026, in Montréal. Operating under the theme “One Global Path: Advancing Net-Zero Aviation,” the event will gather airlines, manufacturers, investors, and regulators.
According to Salazar’s statement, the outcomes of this event “could set the tempo for aviation’s decarbonization efforts in the crucial years ahead.” Later in the year, the 42nd ICAO Assembly will convene, where member states are expected to renew their commitments to the 2050 net-zero target and review the progress of the 2030 vision, a framework aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions in international aviation by 5% by 2030 through the use of SAF and Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF).
“Commentators won’t be asking ‘Can aviation decarbonize?’ (it can), but rather ‘Will the global community make the hard choices required, at the pace that reality demands?'”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the LTAG?
The Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) was adopted by the ICAO Assembly in 2022. It sets a target for international aviation to reach net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.
How much Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is needed by 2050?
According to ICAO projections, the aviation sector will require between 380 and 490 million tonnes (MT) of SAF annually by 2050 to meet its net-zero targets. In 2024, global production was approximately 1 MT.
What is the ICAO Finvest Hub?
The Finvest Hub is a matchmaking platform created by ICAO to connect vetted sustainable aviation projects (like SAF production facilities) with public and private investors, helping to de-risk investments using ICAO’s sustainability criteria.
Photo Credit: Stock Image
Sustainable Aviation
Menzies Aviation Achieves 25 Percent Electric Ground Support Equipment Target
Menzies Aviation reached its goal of 25% electric Ground Support Equipment globally by 2025, investing $200M and expanding alternative fuel use.
This article is based on an official press release from Menzies Aviation.
The aviation industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, and while in-flight emissions dominate headlines, ground operations offer immediate opportunities for sustainability. According to a recent press release, Menzies Aviation has officially reached its global target of electrifying 25% of its Ground Support Equipment (GSE) by the end of 2025.
Menzies Aviation, recognized as the world’s largest aviation services company operating at 347 airports across 65 countries, achieved this milestone through a dedicated $200 million investment aimed at modernizing its vehicle fleet. The company reported adding more than 620 electric GSE assets to its operations in 2025 alone, pushing the global proportion of its electric equipment from 22% in 2024 to the 25% target. Currently, 11 Menzies locations operate fleets with more than 70% electric GSE, and over 20 locations have surpassed the 50% mark.
Driving the Transition: Fleet Modernization and Regional Success
European Operations Lead the Charge
The transition to electric GSE is heavily dependent on local airport charging infrastructure, leading to regional variations in adoption. In its press release, Menzies Aviation highlighted Europe as the leading region, with more than 50% of all GSE across the continent now fully electric.
Specific European locations have achieved even higher electrification rates. At Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy, a partnership with AGS Handling has resulted in over 80% of motorized GSE becoming electric. When combined with a permanent switch to electric Pre-Conditioned Air Units, this allows for fully electric aircraft turnarounds. Additionally, the company noted that Manchester Airport in the UK increased its electric GSE to 40% following the deployment of two hybrid de-icing rigs, while London Gatwick (LGW) and Copenhagen (CPH) introduced fully electric fuel hydrant dispensers to support quieter, lower-emission operations.
Progress in Oceania and South East Asia
Progress is also visible outside of Europe. Menzies Aviation reported that its operations in Oceania and South East Asia increased to 30% electric GSE in 2025. As part of this regional push, the company has initiated trials for electric ground power units (GPUs) in Cairns, Australia.
Bridging the Gap with Alternative Fuels
Recognizing that full electrification is not yet viable at all airports due to infrastructure constraints, Menzies Aviation has expanded its use of lower-emission alternative fuels. The company’s press release details a significant pivot toward Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) where electric charging grids remain insufficient.
In 2025, Menzies utilized two million liters of HVO, marking a 50% year-on-year increase from 2024. According to the company, HVO has fully replaced diesel in several major locations, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Stockholm Arlanda. The use of this alternative fuel has also been expanded at London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW).
Corporate Strategy and Financial Alignment
The 25% electric GSE milestone is a component of Menzies Aviation’s broader “All In” sustainability strategy, which targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company noted it is the first major aviation services provider to have its net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), adding scientific credibility to its corporate goals.
“2025 was a year of real progress towards our net-zero target. Achieving our ambitious goal of 25% electric GSE by 2025 across our fleet and accelerating our adoption of lower‑emissions fuels and renewable energy demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions, even as our global network continues to grow. We are now focused on building on this momentum, with further increases in electric GSE already underway across our network.”
Crucially, the press release indicates that these sustainability investments are occurring alongside robust financial growth. Menzies reported a 16% year-on-year growth in 2025, surpassing $3 billion in revenue, demonstrating that aggressive decarbonization efforts can run parallel to global expansion.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that while sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and next-generation electric aircraft frequently dominate media coverage regarding aviation decarbonization, ground operations represent a highly actionable area for immediate, measurable emissions reductions. Transitioning tarmac vehicles from diesel to electric power directly reduces Scope 1 emissions while simultaneously improving local air quality and lowering noise pollution for airport workers and surrounding communities.
However, the data provided by Menzies Aviation underscores a critical industry bottleneck: infrastructure. The speed of GSE electrification is intrinsically linked to the willingness and ability of airports to upgrade their electrical grids and charging capabilities. The reliance on bridge technologies like HVO in major hubs such as Los Angeles and London Heathrow highlights that even well-capitalized service providers must wait for municipal and airport infrastructure to catch up with corporate sustainability ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ground Support Equipment (GSE)?
GSE refers to the vehicles and machinery found on an airport tarmac used to service aircraft between flights. This includes baggage tugs, fuel hydrant dispensers, ground power units, and de-icing rigs.
Why is Menzies Aviation using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)?
While Menzies is transitioning to electric equipment, many airports currently lack the electrical grid infrastructure required to charge large fleets of electric vehicles. HVO serves as a lower-emission “bridge” fuel that can immediately replace diesel in existing combustion engines without requiring new infrastructure.
What is the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)?
The SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets grounded in climate science. Menzies Aviation is the first major aviation services provider to have its net-zero targets validated by this body.
Sources: Menzies Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Menzies Aviation
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