Electric and hydrogen alternatives for ground support equipment at Vienna International Airport : environmental and economic implications

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is a comprehensive legal, technical and economic analysis of the available alternatives for both ground mobility and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) at Vienna International Airport (VIE). Airport mobility, as in the form of passenger busses and other ground support machinery, such as ground power units (GPU) have a direct impact on the environmental performance of the airport in terms of emissions and noise. Since the reduction of environmental impacts is a major goal and also a mandate for the whole aviation industry, many airports have already tried alternatives to the traditional practices (e.g. electric vehicles). These efforts often resulted in measurable successes, not only because they improved on environmental matters which is necessary for various legal regulations, but also because the airports could improve their image as innovators when taking the lead in adapting to new environmental standards. The thesis will analyse current practices regarding the Ground Support Equipment as well as the legal and environmental standards that are applied to Vienna International Airport as an entity. It will then capture the current market of electric vehicles and hydrogen technologies to tackle the issues at stake and evaluate their applicability referring to current practices on VIE. Furthermore, it will refer to related infrastructure if necessary and also include feasibility and cost aspects thereof. In doing this, it will be looked at comparable practice examples in order to benefit from the lessons learned in the implementation of similar projects. To sum up, the paper will try to provide a broad basis for discussion and decision-making by laying down the most important technical and economic arguments for and against a scenario that includes alternatives for the airport vehicle and ground support equipment fleet. The data which are required for this report are provided by the Vienna Airport (more specifically the Department for Environment and the Department for Handling and Operations).