Groningen Airport Eelde has completed the transition to fully emission-free aircraft handling following the introduction of a new electric Ambulift.
The Aviogei Thunderlift 4000E is designed to provide comfortable access to aircraft for passengers who are unable to board or disembark independently via aircraft stairs. The new vehicle replaces a diesel-powered Ambulift and is the latest addition to the airport’s growing fleet of electric ground-handling equipment.
Dutch Member of Parliament Ulaş Köse (D66) officially put the new Ambulift into service during a visit to the airport on Monday. Köse led a D66 delegation that was briefed on Groningen Airport Eelde’s wider social and regional role, its NXT Airport programme for aviation sustainability pilots and projects, and the expanding range of aviation-related training programmes at the airport’s Airport Campus.
The official launch was also attended by D66’s provincial lead candidates for Groningen and Drenthe, Paula Benjamins-van Oudheusden and Marike Hoekstra, Tynaarlo alderman Tom Rustebiel, and Herman van Os, leader of the D66 group in the Tynaarlo municipal council.
The new Ambulift is leased, allowing the airport to continue investing flexibly in modern, zero-emission ground equipment. According to Groningen Airport Eelde, the transition to electric equipment is not only an environmental measure but also linked to requirements under Dutch occupational health and safety legislation.
Electric ground equipment reduces both emissions and noise levels on the apron, contributing to working conditions for airport staff.
“With this electric Ambulift, we can comfortably assist passengers who require additional support while allowing our team to work under the best possible conditions with modern, emission-free equipment,” said Meiltje de Groot, Managing Director of Groningen Airport Eelde. “It also fits seamlessly with our ambition for clean and sustainable aviation. With this final step, aircraft handling at Groningen Airport Eelde is now fully emission-free.”
Köse said the transition was an example of how airports can begin reducing emissions from ground operations.
“The future of Dutch aviation is clean and sustainable. That is good for our economy and good for the planet,” he said. “I am pleased that Groningen Airport Eelde is investing in electric ground handling with the Ambulift, an important and rapidly achievable first step.”
The introduction of the Thunderlift 4000E follows earlier investments by the airport in electric ground-support equipment, including an electric Ground Power Unit (e-GPU) and the planned addition of a second electric belt loader.
Groningen Airport Eelde says the investments form part of its broader programme to reduce emissions and noise from ground operations while creating a more sustainable airport environment.
