Airport ground support equipment – fuel trucks, tugs, container loaders, catering vehicles, etc – is a prime candidate for electrification, and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport has taken a major step in this direction.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced a switch to electric ground service equipment at JFK’s Terminal 5. The New York Power Authority, in partnership with JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has completed the installation of 38 charging hubs with 118 charging ports at the terminal.

JetBlue will convert its fleet of 118 baggage tugs and belt loaders to electric power, a change that’s expected to save 200,000 gallons of fuel, and four million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, per year.

A $4-million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program provided 75 percent of the total $5.3-million cost of the charging hubs. NYPA provided $200,000 in funding, and JetBlue contributed $1.1 million.

In October 2018, the Port Authority became the first US transportation agency to embrace the Paris Climate Agreement, and identified 12 concrete action items to achieve those goals, known as the “clean dozen.” The Port Authority’s airports – JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty – are moving toward all-electric shuttle bus fleets, and a community solar power plan at JFK has been finalized.

“New York is committed to delivering a new, world-class JFK airport that not only incorporates best-in-class technological advancements and passenger amenities but also reduces our carbon footprint,” Governor Cuomo said. “By electrifying JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at JFK airport we are advancing our nation-leading climate goals and taking a significant step towards solidifying JFK as a modern gateway to the world.”

Source: New York Power Authority