Newcastle Airport on track for Net Zero 2035 with UK airport first

NEWCASTLE Airport has become the first airport in the UK to operate a fully electric, zero emission airside bus.

In January the airport announced its ambitious plan to become Net Zero by the year 2035. The Net Zero carbon strategy evidences the airport’s commitment to being a good neighbour, as well as taking action to become ever more environmentally friendly.

To help deliver the strategy the business set out a number of steps to procure and generate renewable energy as well as shifting to new technologies. The new electric bus is the first of a brand new fleet of electric vehicles to be introduced across the airport over the next 15 years.

The airport worked with Pelican Bus and Coach to supply the Yutong bus, which will be used to coach passengers between their aircraft and the terminal.

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.”