Recycling and electrification of GSEs
In the frame of OLGA project Air France launched the "Low-carbon Airside" project at Charles de Gaulle Airport focuses on transforming Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to reduce its environmental impact. The main goal is to convert existing passenger stairs, which currently use diesel engines, into electric-powered systems by swapping out traditional engines for electric ones and updating the equipment with combination of used battery and new electrical systems. The fleet will become more eco-friendly and efficient, with less pollution and lower maintenance costs. The project exemplifies innovation in the aviation sector and demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for airports and the environment.
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Objectives
The Low-Carbon Airside project aims to support sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in airport areas.
The primary objectives of this study are:
Reduce Carbon Emissions: Transition the GSE fleet from diesel to electric vehicles, significantly lowering on-ground pollutant emissions and reducing the airport’s carbon footprint.
Extend Equipment Lifespan: Retrofit existing diesel-powered equipment with electric motors, giving used battery a second life and used GSE an extended life of 10 to 15 years, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
Support Circular Economy: Encourage sustainable practices by repurposing existing equipment, promoting the circular economy model through retrofitting and recycling old GSE.
Enhance Operational Performance: Upgrade vehicles for better reliability, reduced noise, and fewer vibrations, improving the working environment for operators and operational efficiency.
Progress
Since late 2022, Air France has entered the production phase and has retrofitting several airstairs. In total, 30 units have been converted, with plans for 60 units in total. The concept has demonstrated its efficiency in both maintenance and operational aspects.
In terms of maintenance, the project has resolved issues related to fuel shortages, battery failures, and engine malfunctions, leading to increased fleet availability. Operationally, the improvements noted in the prototype have been confirmed, with operators highlighting the benefits of reduced noise, fumes, and a more comfortable driving experience, which has contributed to enhanced flight safety by minimizing the risk of damage to aircraft.
Key figures
Duration of the project: The project is ongoing, with 30 Airstairs already in service and a goal to convert 60 Airstairs across multiple Air France stations (Roissy-CDG, ORY, and others) as part of OLGA, eventually converting the entire fleet of approximately 107 Airstairs.
Reduction in CO2 emissions: The conversion of 60 Airstairs is expected to save 31 tons of CO2 emissions annually and have benefits on air quality and noise reduction.
Fuel consumption: Each electric Airstair saves approximately 200 liters of diesel per year, leading to significant fuel consumption reduction.
Equipment lifespan: The retrofit extends the equipment’s lifespan from 10 to 15 years, offering long-term operational and environmental benefits.
Operational capacity: Air France's CDG maintenance team, is producing an average of 2 units per month, with approximately 150 mechanics' man hours required per unit for the retrofit.
Fleet size: The current fleet of Airstairs has a mid-age of 19 years, and the project aims to convert the entire fleet to electric-powered units.