Discover how Brisbane Airport, with ACT and Freightquip, is setting a new sustainability standard with Australia’s first common-use GSE charging system, boosting fleet efficiency and reducing emissions.
As the first Australian airport to install a common-use GSE charging system in its airside environment, Brisbane Airport is setting a high standard for sustainability and operational efficiency. Part of the Future BNE initiative, this project reflects the airport’s commitment to reducing emissions, enhancing fleet management, and creating a quieter, more reliable airside environment. Partnering with ACT and Freightquip, Brisbane Airport now operates a system that integrates cutting-edge technology, project expertise, and a tailored approach to meet the unique demands of the airport’s infrastructure.
ACT’s Quantum Outdoor Chargers were chosen for their proven track record in other major airports and their ability to deliver 94% peak charge efficiency and 93.5% total cycle efficiency. Designed to handle the rigors of an airside environment, the chargers provide real-time data insights and remote management capabilities via Wi-Fi, allowing the airport to monitor and control charging operations with precision. “We wanted a product that could meet our demanding hardware operational needs for availability and reliability with strong local support and provide real-time data insights,” explained Matt Gorman, Senior Project Manager for Development at Brisbane Airport.
The system not only charges a wide variety of equipment but also ensures that fleet managers can track usage data to optimize operations. As Scott Collins, Manager of Aviation Projects at Freightquip, described it, “Brisbane Airport will know the identity of equipment that is being charged, where, when and how much energy was used.” This visibility contributes directly to improved energy efficiency and streamlined fleet management.
Over an 18-month period, Freightquip worked closely with Brisbane Airport to coordinate every aspect of the system’s installation, from finding the best-in-class solution to logistical planning and on-site integration. Brisbane’s dynamic airside environment required meticulous planning and collaboration with airfield, terminal operations, and ground handling teams to ensure minimal disruption. By strategically positioning the charging bays to optimize accessibility and operational space, Freightquip’s project management expertise allowed the system to be seamlessly integrated into the airport’s layout, supporting both current needs and future growth.
This project has provided immediate benefits, particularly for smaller GSE like baggage trolleys, which can now run a full shift on a single charge without disrupting turnaround times. The modular design of the chargers also allows Brisbane Airport to plan for growth; the initial 35 units are expected to scale up to more than 100 as the airport’s electric fleet expands.
Brisbane Airport’s decision to install common-use charging facilities is a forward-thinking move that aligns with their sustainability and modernization goals. Costel Mustatea, Development Manager Utilities, emphasized the importance of this tailored approach: “Because airports are so unique, standard models used elsewhere didn’t fit, so we had to develop a tailored solution.” The result is a flexible and robust charging infrastructure that meets current needs while laying the groundwork for the future.
The system not only reduces emissions and fuel costs but also brings additional benefits, including lower maintenance requirements, reduced noise pollution, and enhanced operational efficiency. Avtar Dhillon, Project Manager for Development & Delivery, highlighted that the project’s success goes beyond immediate gains: “These smaller machines can run a full shift on one charge, so there’s no impact on flight turnaround time. As the market matures and larger electric equipment becomes available, we’ll expand our charger fleet accordingly.”
For Brisbane Airport, ACT, and Freightquip, this project marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership. With plans for future expansion and ongoing support from Freightquip, the system is poised to evolve alongside the airport’s needs, setting a strong example for other airports exploring GSE electrification. “This journey first started at the data gathering and development phase and continues as we deliver and activate the chargers. It won’t end there as this is a long-term relationship and commitment from both parties to maintain the charging performance,” shared Scott Collins of Freightquip.
Brisbane Airport’s pioneering project demonstrates the possibilities of a unified charging infrastructure that is efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible. As other airports look to establish their own standards, the collaboration between Brisbane Airport, ACT, and Freightquip offers a clear path forward for sustainable airside operations.