AirAsia has introduced a new initiative to cut carbon emissions at airports with new ground equipment technology at its main hub at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
At a launch event at KUL Airport, AirAsia and Smart Airport Systems (SAS) demonstrated the use of Combo Units, an advanced piece of airport ground equipment. It offers dual functionality as a Ground Power Unit (GPU) and an Air Condition Unit (ACU), thus providing for the electrical and air-cooling needs of an aircraft while it is stationary on the ground before a flight and during transit.
According to AirAsia, without adequate ground power and a performing ACU an aircraft relies on the use of its auxiliary power unit (APU) to perform the same functions. However, this is cost and carbon-inefficient, because APUs are powered by aviation turbine fuel.
The Combo units are part of SAS’ innovative range of high-performance ground support equipment, providing airlines with solutions to reduce on-ground fuel use and carbon emissions.
Through this substitution, AirAsia is expected to significantly reduce APU costs and associated CO2 emissions by 90% at optimal usage, contributing significantly to lowering the airline’s Scope 1 emissions from ground operations.
According to Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad’s (MAHB) Annual Report 2023, aircraft emissions contributed 53% of total CO2 emissions at airports, of which 23% is attributed to APU usage. Other major contributors to total ground emissions are airport buildings and airport travel.
“I commend AirAsia for being the first airline in Malaysia to adopt the Combo units. This is among in-sector solutions that airlines can already undertake to reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency at our airports as highlighted in the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint,” YB Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport said in a statement.
Fook, who was present at the launch event, added: “As APU emissions make up 12% of reported airport emissions, today’s launch represents a significant step towards tackling on-ground emissions. I hope to see all airlines and ground handling operators adopt this technological innovation as a new benchmark to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in sustainable aviation.”
Kesavan Sivanandam, Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “These energy-efficient Combo units unlock a major opportunity for airlines like AirAsia to decarbonise because we operate in countries with high humidity. Previously, we had been unable to make the switch because conventional GPUs lack cabin cooling functions which are necessary for the comfort of our guests.”