An aircraft turnaround, involving disembarking and boarding passengers, managing luggage or cargo, cleaning, catering and refuelling, is an essential part of flight operations. This achievement is the result of Loganair’s £2 million investment in advanced ground handling technology.

The airline is adding nearly 100 new pieces of ground equipment to its operations. This includes electric baggage tractors, luggage belts, solar-powered boarding ramps, and hybrid ground power units (GPUs). GPUs provide electricity to aircraft while they’re parked at the gate, reducing fuel consumption by allowing crews to turn off engines.

Once fully incorporated into Loganair’s ground operations across the Highlands and Islands, the new equipment will save over 70,000 litres of diesel per year. This not only reduces the environmental footprint of flying but also provides a cleaner, quieter working environment for staff.

The electric ground handling initiative is part of Loganair’s GreenSkies environmental programme, launched in 2021. This programme has introduced measures to achieve the airline’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. It includes a mandatory fee on all fares to support global carbon offsetting schemes and the GreenSkies Community Fund, which offers grants for local renewable energy projects.

Loganair is also in the process of renewing its fleet. The new ATR turboprops decrease carbon emissions by 27% per seat compared to the Saab 340 aircraft they are replacing.

Maurice Boyle, COO at Loganair, said: “We are incredibly proud of this historic moment in Loganair’s operations and the contribution it will make to our GreenSkies pledge to become carbon neutral by 2040.

“Our new electric equipment replaces diesel-powered machinery, reducing our use of fossil fuels but also creating a much cleaner and user-friendly working environment for our staff.

“Being first out the block is a great achievement for our Stornoway staff, and great for the island community. I hope our customers will welcome our progress and get on board with us as we continue our journey towards sustainable aviation.”

Following Stornoway, Highlands and Islands airports in Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Benbecula will soon benefit from Loganair’s new electric ground equipment with the last remaining pieces of diesel-powered ground equipment being phased out by the end of this summer.