Aviation services firm Menzies Aviation is piloting Mullen Automotive electric vans and Loop Global charging infrastructure across its operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California, US.
With this move, Menzies aims to further its 2033 carbon-neutral attainment target.
The firm, along with electric vehicle (EV) maker Mullen, will carry out a 60-day programme to assess Class 1 EV cargo vans in various applications across the operations of Menzies at LAX.
These include moving cabin cleaning teams to planes.
Mullen CEO and chairman David Michery said: “Menzies is a well-respected leader in the aviation industry. Our commercial EVs are a natural fit for airport service and logistics operations.”
Via its electric vehicle fleet as-a-service (EVFaaS) initiative, Loop Global will offer EV charging infrastructure as well as fleet operations software for the Mullen EV vans.
Menzies can charge Mullen’s EVs between each shift utilising Loop’s cloud-based charger management system (CMS).
Menzies operates in more than 250 airports across 58 nations, with a fleet of 27,000 ground service equipment that includes more than 8,000 vehicles.
It offers air cargo, fuel, and ground services to commercial airports and airlines.
The firm recently reached a memorandum of understanding with SAL Saudi Logistics Services to offer passenger handling services for low-cost carriers at airports in Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on the latest alliance, Menzies executive vice-president Americas John Redmond stated: “Collaborating with suppliers, airports and our airline customers is absolutely vital for Menzies to achieve its sustainability goals.
“We have committed to switching to electric vehicles wherever possible to reduce our carbon emissions; however, charging infrastructure can be a barrier, so it’s great to be working with both Mullen and Loop to pilot a solution at LAX. Early feedback is positive, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results from this collaboration.”
