This is the first trial of its kind in Europe and second one globally marking a significant step forward in ground handling sustainability.
2 March 2021: Menzies Aviation and Vestergaard have partnered to test the working on new electrically operated de-icing unit at Oslo Airport. The technology is called Vestergaard Elephant e-BETA. This is the first trial of its kind in Europe and second one globally marking a significant step forward in ground handling sustainability. The initial test indicate that this technology will reduce greenhouse gases like CO2 and NO
Menzies currently operates 11 Vestergaard rigs as part of their de-icing fleet at Oslo Airport which is one of the world’s busiest de-icing hubs. The Menzies operate a team of 40 de-icing specialists dealing with complex, large-scale operations and performing more than 5,000 turns over a typical season between the months of September to May.
Thomas Hoff Andersson, Vice President Northern Europe, Menzies Aviation said, “We’re proud to be working with Vestergaard Company to pioneer this sustainable ground handling solution, which builds on the progress achieved through our ‘Go Green’ project. The successful trial of this electrically-driven de-icer promises to bolster not only the sustainability of our de-icing operations at Oslo Airport, but the sustainability of the industry at large.”
Ole Petter Storstad, Director of Airport Services for Avinor, Oslo Airport, said: “Avinor has a goal that its own operations at Oslo Airport will be fossil-free by 2030. We are therefore pleased that our partners are working in the same direction and have a green focus when they further develop their services.”
Vestergaard is a frontrunner when it comes to sustainability within ground handling and its goal is to offer a fully sustainable version of its product line for performing CO2 neutral ground handling operations by 2030. The electrically operated Vestergaard Elephant e-BETA is a critical part of this journey, reducing environmental footprint by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
René Laebel from Vestergaard Company said, “For us, Menzies has been an obvious choice of partner in testing the new sustainable unit, as both a global company and a good and trusted customer of ours over the years. Menzies Oslo provides extensive de-icing services during the challenging weather season and is committed to building more sustainable ground handling operations, so we have a common interest in the success of the new unit.”
This trial complements Menzies’ ‘Go Green’ project, established in Oslo in 2018, through which Menzies has made significant investment into reduced-emissions ground handling equipment to reduce its carbon footprint, with 90per cent of ramp equipment replaced with modern, electric units last year. Should the trial be successful and the Vestergaard Elephant e-BETA rolled out, 97 per cent of Menzies’ Oslo-based ground support equipment would be electric.
