DHL Express leads the way in electrification of ground fleet at Brussels Airport

 Following a successful test phase, one in three tractors and loaders of DHL Express that sorts and transports time-critical shipments from Brussels Airport, will be fully electric this summer. The cargo transporter’s crew buses and tarmac cars are already one hundred percent electric. This investment is a first step for DHL Express towards reducing its CO2 footprint on the ground by more than half. The necessary charging infrastructure will be provided, both on the tarmac, by Brussels Airport, and at its own buildings.

Over the past days and weeks, express carrier DHL has put eleven electric tractors (which can tow up to four cargo containers) and thirteen electric container lifts, belly loaders and pushbacks into operation at Brussels Airport.  And that is just the beginning, for in the coming months and years, DHL Express aims to develop a fully electric ground fleet in phases at the airport, with machines that are both more sustainable and quieter than their diesel counterparts. And of course, the electric charging stations will follow.

‘Electrifying a third of the ground equipment in just a few weeks – that’s quite a feat by our technical department…From now on, we will continue to expand our electric ground fleet in phases; the fossil fuel machines will be systematically phased out and will soon be a minority.’ – Kirsten Carlier, CEO of DHL Aviation.

DHL Express is being supported in the investments by the Stargate project, a Brussels Airport project with a consortium of 21 partners, including DHL Express, which has been awarded subsidies under the European Green Deal to develop projects for greener aviation. 

‘Our focus is very clear – to reduce CO2 emission. Can it be done tomorrow? No, it needs to evolve, while we are making every effort worldwide to make aviation greener. We believe in a pragmatic approach, with honest and clear communication. An electric cargo plane, such as a Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, is still a long way off. Probably not even for the next decade, unfortunately. The problem is that the batteries would be too heavy for a cargo plane. The development of alternatives will require research and time. What is possible in the short term are smaller types of aircraft, for shorter distances. According to the current planning, DHL will put twelve e-cargo air freight planes into service in 2027. Who knows, maybe these electric planes may soon be flying at Brussels Airport too.’ – Kirsten Carlier, CEO of DHL Aviation.