Menzies Takes Up Aviation’s Electrification Challenge

In discussions about decarbonising transport, the aviation sector often receives significant attention due to its substantial emissions and the considerable progress still required to achieve decarbonisation.

Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, according to the University of Oxford’s Our World In Data. But it has contributed around 4% to global warming to date, it adds.

Like other sectors, aviation is actively pursuing decarbonisation, improved energy efficiency, and greater overall sustainability.

“In 2019, one passenger-kilometre would emit 157 grams of CO₂ — less than half the 357 grams emitted in 1990,” Hannah Ritchie at Our World In Data wrote recently. 

There is also a growing focus on electrification within ground operations, where aviation logistics services present significant opportunities for sustainable initiatives.

Menzies Aviation, a service partner to airports and airlines around the world, has reached its target of electrifying 25% of its Ground Support Equipment (GSE). 

In 2025, the company added over 620 electric GSE assets, raising the global proportion of electric GSE from 22% in 2024 to 25% by year-end.

Eleven locations now operate fleets with over 70% electric GSE, and more than 20 locations have surpassed 50%.

“Achieving our ambitious goal of 25% electric GSE by 2025 across our fleet and accelerating our adoption of lower‑emissions fuels and renewable energy demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions, even as our global network continues to grow,” says Jonathan Hankin, Head of ESG, Menzies Aviation. 

“We are now focused on building on this momentum, with further increases in electric GSE already underway across our network.”

The company achieved the most progress in Europe and the UK, where airport charging infrastructure is most widely deployed.

At Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy, where Menzies operates with AGS Handling, over 80% of motorised GSE is now electric, according to the company.

In Manchester, the addition of two hybrid de-icing rigs has increased the proportion of electric GSE to 40%.

Fully electric fuel hydrant dispensers were introduced at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH), supporting quieter operations, improved air quality, and reduced Scope 1 emissions, according to the company.

Menzies Aviation has set a target to become net-zero across its operations by 2045. 

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Beyond electrification

Where full electrification is not yet feasible, Menzies is expanding the use of lower-emission alternatives such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

In 2025, the company used two million litres of HVO, representing a 50% year-on-year increase from 2024, with expanded use at London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

HVO has fully replaced diesel in several locations, including San Diego, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and Stockholm Arlanda, with further adoption across the UK, Nordics, and Spain.

The company's ESG agenda also includes social targets. In 2024, Menzies achieved 25% female representation in senior leadership, meeting its goal aligned with IATA's 25by2025 campaign.

Female representation in middle leadership reached 29%, positioning the company to achieve its 40% target by 2033. Menzies has also committed to hiring refugees, with a goal for them to comprise 1% of its global workforce by 2026.