Leeds Bradford Airport invests to modernise ground power supply and improve the local environment

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has successfully introduced eight Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) units to improve the environment in and around the airport estate. These additions are closely aligned to LBA’s Noise Action Plan and will limit the use of noisy Auxiliary Power Units (APU) on aircraft and diesel-powered mobile ground power units (GPU) on the ground.

By plugging into the FEGPs, which are 100% powered by renewable electricity, aircraft are able to switch off their APUs - a gas turbine located at the tail of the plane. The APU not only provides electrical power and air conditioning to the aircraft during the turnaround process but also helps to start the engines when the aircraft is taxiing and preparing for take-off. However, when stationary during turnaround, APUs use a considerable amount of fuel which contributes to both noise and carbon emissions on the apron.

Joselyn Rankin, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Leeds Bradford Airport comments: “Introducing these FEGPs are helping make a real difference to the environment on the ground at LBA; for our people, our customers and our neighbours. Not only do they help us reduce carbon emissions but they also improve air quality and reduce ground noise which can impact our local community. Following a thorough commissioning and training period, we’re delighted to have Jet2 and Swissport making full use of the new FEGPS across all eight stands.”

David Neill, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Jet2 comments: “We are delighted to be working jointly with Leeds Bradford Airport on sustainability initiatives, and these new electric power points will help make our operation more efficient and reduce ground noise. As the largest operator at Leeds Bradford Airport, we know our customers will welcome this development alongside the many initiatives we are making within our aircraft fleet as part of our Sustainability Strategy.”