Airport buses are plugged in to cut pollution
Glasgow Airport is the first in the UK to shuttle passengers with zero-emissions buses.
Terminal bosses have unveiled three electric coaches to bring in passengers from its car parks.
They say the move will help offset carbon emissions.
Managing director Mark Johnston says the roll-out was made possible thanks to a £450,000 Green Bus Fund grant.
He said:“We are proud to be the first airport in the UK to incorporate a full-electric bus fleet into our car park operation.
“These state-of-the-art vehicles will play an important role in supporting our continued efforts to create a more sustainable business and will contribute significantly to help further reduce carbon emissions locally at Glasgow Airport.
“The environmental benefits and considerable cost reductions associated with the introduction of these electric vehicles was very attractive.
“Moving to a full-electric bus operation cuts the carbon emissions associated with passenger travel to and from our car park from 143 tonnes per year to zero.
“This significant reduction is further supported by the fact that the airport’s electricity is also supplied via renewable energy.”
The coaches can each seat 23 passengers and have three luggage racks.
Glasgow Airport already uses hybrid electric jeeps on its airfield operations.
It joins 203 hubs across 24 European committed to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
MSP Michael Matheson, cabinet Secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, believes the change is a positive.
He said:“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to help fund these new electric buses.
“The uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles is central to meeting our climate change commitments and our goal of making Scotland’s air quality the best in Europe.”
Colin Robertson is chief executive of ADL, the firm behind the coaches.
He said:“Glasgow Airport’s decision to electrify its official car park shuttles shows that battery buses have an important role to play.”