London-area fixed-based operator (FBO) and maintenance service provider Harrods Aviation announced that it has transitioned its ground support fleet to all-electric vehicles as part of an ongoing sustainability campaign.

With bases at London Stansted and Luton airports, Harrods Aviation has replaced fuel-burning vehicles with Mercedes-Benz EV vans to transport customers. The vans are quieter, smoother and less expensive to operate, the FBO operator said.

“An added benefit to using electric vehicles is the reduction of exhaust emissions in and around our operating environment,” Harrods Director of Operations Dan Holian said. “Due to the nature of our business, our primarily airside vehicles, perform a lot of short journeys. The latest EV technology is the perfect solution to support these operational needs.” 

Harrods said 65% of its ground-support equipment fleet is powered by zero emissions equipment, and plans call for transitioning the rest of the fleet as technology advances. The electric vehicles include towbarless aircraft tractors and baggage tractors.