Munich Airport has taken another step on its ‘Net Zero 2035’ sustainability strategy. MAN Truck & Bus Germany has delivered the first 10 electric solo passenger buses to AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport. A further 27 electric buses of MAN Lion’s City E 12 and E 18 models will be put into operation by the end of the year. There is an option to purchase 25 additional buses.
“We are reducing air pollutants, lowering our energy consumption and avoiding climate damaging CO2 emissions,” said Jost Lammers, CEO, Munich Airport. “The changeover is a further step towards sustainable airport operations and a clean future for the aviation industry. The buses also offer passengers a more comfortable journey from the gate to the aircraft.”
Munich Airport is one of the first MAN customers to receive and use the new e-buses from the 2024 model year. The electric drive is considered to be particularly efficient for apron use with many short distances and low speeds. The 18-metre articulated buses (MAN Lion’s City E 18) offer sufficient space for passengers and airline crews as a supplement to the 12-metre solo buses (MAN Lion’s City E 12). Both models feature numerous innovations in terms of equipment and safety. For example, a more efficient and sustainable air conditioning system.
The aim of the ‘Net Zero 2035’ sustainability strategy is to ensure that Munich Airport’s operations no longer leave any CO2 in the atmosphere from 2035 at the latest. By 2030, the entire vehicle fleet on the apron is to be emission-free and climate-friendly. Half of the vehicles are to be electrically powered as early as this year. AeroGround provides the majority of aircraft and baggage handling as well as all associated passenger and crew transportation at the airport. The charging infrastructure for the e-buses on the apron is currently being expanded.