Newcastle Airport has become the first airport in the UK to operate a fully-electric zero emission bus service.
The airport’s plan is to become net-zero by 2035, and the new airside bus transportation scheme aims to begin its transition to a carbon neutral hub. The business set out a number of steps to procure and generate its own renewable energy as part of the plan – and the electric bus will be the first in a fleet of EVs planned for the next 15 years.
The airport worked with Pelican Bus and Coach to supply the Yutong bus, which will be used to transport passengers between plans and the terminal.
Speaking about the move, Richard Crump, managing director of Pelican Bus & Coach said: “Both Pelican and Yutong are delighted to have been able to work with the team at Newcastle International Airport to bring into service the first electric zero emission airside bus in the UK. This bus will contribute to reducing both the airport’s carbon footprint and vehicle operating costs as well as offering passengers an enhanced experience on their journey to and from their aircraft.”
Graeme Mason, planning and corporate affairs director of Newcastle International Airport, said: “In January we announced our Net Zero 2035 strategy and shortly afterwards we took one of the first of many steps to realising our ambitious plan by ordering our very first electric airside vehicle.
“It has without doubt been a challenging year for the airport however it is fantastic to take delivery of this impressive new vehicle and take an important step towards the decarbonisation of the airport.”
