BIRMINGHAM Airport has launched a fully electric bus fleet to replace the current diesel vehicles in operation to get passengers to and from the terminal.
Airport bosses say it is the first UK airport to implement the ultra-low emission buses.
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, was in attendance at the launch of the free bus service which will operate from all landside car park routes.
The new fleet is made up of six 7900e single deck electric buses supplied by Volvo Bus UK, providing an 80 per cent lower energy consumption than the equivalent sized diesel bus.
An investment of £1.8million was made by the airport, with an additional grant of £1.4miliion from the Department for Transport under its Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme.
Airport chiefs said the decision to introduce the electric fleet came as a result of a review undertaken by the airport into its future vehicle provision and recently announced commitment to become a net zero carbon airport by the year 2033 – ahead of the UK’s 2050 target.
Nick Barton, chief executive at Birmingham Airport said: “I’m extremely proud to say we are the first UK airport to implement a fully electric landside bus service.
“The buses are not only a big win for us in terms of the reduction in emissions, but they will also contribute to providing an improved passenger experience.
“The 7900e Volvo UK buses are considerably quieter than the buses we had in use previously and are equipped with location-based passenger updates as well as USB charging built into every seat.
“This is a really exciting time for the Birmingham Airport. Over the next 15 years we are investing significantly to improve our facilities and service for customers, whilst reducing our carbon footprint to reach an ambitious target of net zero carbon by 2033.”
Mr Street said: “It really is great to see the airport leading the way in the fight against climate change, not only as the first UK airport to implement a fully electric landside bus fleet, but also with its wider commitment to become net zero carbon by 2033.
“We know around a third of carbon emissions across the West Midlands come from transport, but the good news is that we are making progress to tackle this, with Birmingham Airport’s electric bus fleet a prime example.
“We have a real commitment to change across the West Midlands, with Birmingham Airport paving the way. A big well done to all involved in launching this electric bus fleet.”
