Airport signs electric buses deal

Birmingham Airport has awarded Volvo Bus UK the contract to supply the airport with six 7900e single deck electric buses. Launching in November 2019, the ultra-low emission buses will operate as the free passenger transport service via all airport car park routes.

The decision to introduce electric buses came as a result of a review undertaken by the airport into its future vehicle provision. The Volvo 7900e will provide an 80% lower energy consumption than an equivalent sized diesel bus.

Two high level charging points will be installed outside of the terminal. Additional plug-in charging points will be located in the coach park – and in the future, these will be made available for other electric bus and or coach operators to use.

Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: “This partnership is a key milestone for us. We are always investigating new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon emissions and through the partnership with Volvo Bus UK, we will do just this.

“We have made significant customer service improvements across the airport to increase capacity and improve passenger experience, with the vision of positioning Birmingham as one of Europe’s leading regional airports. The electric buses form part of this vision, not to mention their sustainability benefits being ultra-low emission.

“Since 2012 the Airport has reduced its CO₂ per passenger by 20%. Implementing the six electric buses will work towards lowering this even further which is just fantastic.”

Nick Page, managing director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “It is very exciting that the 7900e has been chosen for Birmingham Airport in support of its ambition to provide the best possible environmentally friendly bus service for airport customers and stakeholders alike.

“Over the last 15 months, the 7900e has undertaken a UK wide demonstration tour where it has shown the contribution that can now be made to improving air quality in the areas where it has been in service. We are confident the 7900e and accompanying technologies will help Birmingham Airport to achieve its goals.”