Hawaiian Airlines unveils new fleet of electric equipment at Honolulu airport

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Airlines celebrated a major milestone in its transition from diesel to fully electric ground support equipment (GSE) at Honolulu’s airport.

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The airline held a blessing Monday for its new fleet of electric baggage tractors, belt loaders and aircraft pushback tractors at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

The lithium-battery powered GSE will replace diesel and propane units as the airline works to eliminate fossil fuel use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prevent fumes and spills.

“By investing in cleaner, quieter and more efficient equipment, we’re reducing our environmental impact, enabling safe and reliable operations, and improving the workplace for our teams and the travel experience for our guests,” said Ryan Spies, managing director of sustainability initiatives for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airline’s investment in lithium battery-powered equipment now makes up 68% of its fleet in Honolulu.

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Airline officials say the transition will also lower maintenance costs and increase safety and efficiency for hundreds of ramp workers.

“It’s a win for our operation,” said Jim Landers, head of Hawaii operations for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. “We move almost 8,500 bags a day to 120 flights here in Honolulu… so having new equipment always helps.”

To support the switch, the state installed 30 GSE charging stations across the airport with four more expected by the end of the year.

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