EasyJet is set to roll out its APU-Zero Project permanently at Milan Malpensa Airport (MPX) following the success of a recent trial aimed at cutting fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and noise. The initiative, first tested in September 2024, replaces the traditional Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with electric-powered Pre-Conditioning Air Units (PCUs), showcasing the airline's commitment to sustainability.
The trial involved 57 easyJet aircraft and was conducted at Terminal 2 of Milan Malpensa, which is fully operated by easyJet. The new PCUs draw energy from Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) at the airport, significantly reducing both fuel burn and noise during aircraft turnaround times. This process directly corresponds to less environmental impact and creates a more pleasant atmosphere for passengers and ground staff.
EasyJet estimates this change will lead to substantial annual savings—expected to reach approximately 1,150 tonnes of fuel, which translates to around 3,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions reduced each year. Lahiru Ranasinghe, Director of Sustainability at EasyJet, emphasized the initiative's importance by stating, "At EasyJet we take a holistic approach to reducing our impact in the air and on the ground. This trial, part of our operational efficiencies workstream, resulted in fuel and emissions savings and a reduction in noise, without affecting our operation. This is yet another small but important step..."
The collaboration with key stakeholders, including TCR, PCA manufacturer Guinault, and ground-handling partner Menzies Aviation, has been pivotal for the project. Menzies Aviation’s Katy Reid described this permanent switch as, "fantastic to see this permanent switch to electric-powered Pre-Conditioning Air Units at Milan Malpensa. This highlights the strength of collaboration between airlines, airports, and aviation services to reduce emissions." This collaborative effort showcases how partnerships are integral to advancing sustainable practices within the aviation industry.
easyJet plans to deploy 16 PCA units at Milan Malpensa, with the roll-out scheduled to occur over the next few months—six units will be added this March, another six in April, and the remaining four by May 2025. This timely implementation is part of easyJet's larger roadmap toward decarbonization initiated back in 2022, which includes various operational improvements.
To highlight its progress, easyJet recently announced achieving its best-ever per-passenger carbon intensity for 2024, boasting a 5.6% improvement compared to its Net Zero baseline year of 2019. This achievement reflects the company's continuous dedication to sustainability and operational efficiency.
By rolling out the Project APU-Zero, easyJet leads the way for other airlines and sets a benchmark for environmental responsibility within the aviation sector. The anticipated reduction of emissions not only addresses global climate concerns but also enhances the overall passenger experience by lowering noise pollution during airport operations.
Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry, initiatives like Project APU-Zero show promising pathways toward minimizing the carbon footprint of air travel. This project stands as proof of how technological innovation and cooperative efforts can significantly contribute to mitigating environmental impact.
With the world increasingly leaning toward sustainable practices, easyJet's proactive measures represent not just regulatory compliance but genuine efforts to maintain ecological balance. The airline's future plans to implement similar projects across its network are expected to amplify these positive effects, laying the groundwork for greener air travel.
Overall, easyJet’s permanent implementation of Project APU-Zero at Milan Malpensa marks another significant milestone on its sustainability agenda. The project not only underlines the importance of collaborative innovations but also reaffirms easyJet’s commitment to contribute to the fight against climate change.