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AirAsia Unveils State-of-the-Artwork Know-how to Lower Carbon Emissions at Kuala Lumpur Worldwide Airport Terminal 2
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
AirAsia has unveiled an progressive initiative aimed toward slicing carbon emissions at airports, that includes state-of-the-art floor assist know-how at its main hub, Kuala Lumpur Worldwide Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2. This initiative was highlighted at an occasion attended by Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook, showcasing the airline’s dedication to sustainability.
In partnership with Sensible Airport Programs (SAS), AirAsia launched Combo Models, superior floor assist gear that mixes the capabilities of a Floor Energy Unit (GPU) and an Air Conditioning Unit (ACU). These items present important electrical and cooling assist for plane whereas they’re stationary on the bottom previous to departure and through transit. Historically, plane depend on their auxiliary energy items (APUs) for these capabilities, that are powered by aviation turbine gas, resulting in elevated operational prices and carbon emissions.
The introduction of Combo Models is a part of SAS’s progressive lineup of high-performance floor assist gear designed to assist airways decrease gas consumption and cut back carbon footprints. By changing APUs with these superior items, AirAsia anticipates a considerable discount in APU-related prices and a exceptional 90% lower in related CO2 emissions throughout optimum use. This shift is poised to make a big impression on the airline’s Scope 1 emissions from floor operations.
In keeping with the Annual Report 2023 from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), plane emissions account for 53% of complete CO2 emissions at airports, with 23% of this attributed particularly to APU utilization. Moreover, emissions from airport buildings and journey contribute considerably to the general floor emissions.
Via this initiative, AirAsia is taking proactive steps towards a greener aviation trade, demonstrating management in sustainability efforts and dedication to decreasing its environmental impression.
YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport stated: “I commend AirAsia for being the primary airline in Malaysia to undertake the Combo items. That is amongst in-sector options that airways can already undertake to scale back carbon emissions and improve effectivity at our airports as highlighted within the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint.
“As APU emissions make up 12% of reported airport emissions, today’s launch represents a significant step towards tackling on-ground emissions. I hope to see all airlines and ground handling operators adopt this technological innovation as a new benchmark to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in sustainable aviation.”
Kesavan Sivanandam, Chief Airport and Buyer Expertise Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group stated: “These energy-efficient Combo units unlock a major opportunity for airlines like AirAsia to decarbonise because we operate in countries with high humidity. Previously, we had been unable to make the switch because conventional GPUs lack cabin cooling functions which are necessary for the comfort of our guests.”
Kesavan stated that the adoption of SAS’ Combo Models know-how underscores AirAsia’s dedication to sustainability and represents the adoption of a measure recognized within the Ministry of Transport’s Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint revealed final month. Beneath its Airport Measures part, the MADB requires all airways working at Malaysian airports to be supplied with services and choices to utilise GPUs and Pre-Conditioned Air items throughout transit and when performing plane servicing actions.
Amaury Papillault, Regional Director of Sensible Airport System (SAS) stated: “For more than 20 years SAS has been a pioneer in the implementation of effective APU OFF initiatives and we are delighted to partner with AirAsia on its journey to reduce its carbon footprint on the ground. The airline community has long recognised the role that turning off APUs can play in effectively reducing aircraft ground emissions. With these easy-to-deploy Combo units, cutting APU emissions becomes a low-hanging fruit that all airlines can adopt as part of their decarbonisation programmes.”
Papillault stated the change to Combo Models additionally helps enhance working situations for floor technicians and handlers because it results in much less air and noise air pollution, notably from jet fumes generated by APUs.
Throughout a reside demonstration attended by the Minister of Transport, SAS showcased the fast connection and activation of Combo items, which took lower than two minutes after an plane arrived on the gate throughout transit.
AirAsia is about to deploy its first 4 Combo items from SAS beginning this month, with plans to roll out extra items at KLIA Terminal 2 and all main home hubs by the top of 2025. As soon as totally carried out, these items are projected to scale back AirAsia’s ground-based emissions by a powerful 20,000 tonnes of CO2 yearly.
*Sensible Airport Programs (SAS) is a subsidiary of the Alvest Group, a worldwide chief in aviation floor assist gear. The corporate is dedicated to zero-emission initiatives aimed toward minimizing noise and pollutant emissions at airports.**An Auxiliary Energy Unit (APU) is a small jet engine often situated within the tail part of an plane. It makes use of the plane’s gas to generate electrical and hydraulic energy, in addition to present cabin air con when the primary engines are usually not in operation.
