As part of Newcastle Airport’s ongoing commitment to green travel, a battery powered Smith PT350 platform tug is currently on trial at the Southside of the Airport in Samson Aviation. Designed and built by Smith Electric Vehicles in Washington, Tyne & Wear, The Smith PT350 baggage transfer vehicle is engineered to help short haul airlines deliver a rapid turnaround, while also reducing the carbon footprint of the airport fleet.
Graeme Mason, Planning and Corporate Affairs Director at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted to be working with Smith Electric Vehicles to trial the electric tug vehicle. We hope this will be the beginning of a great partnership, as we adapt the Airport for its key role in the region’s future low carbon economy.”
Currently, all the airport’s tugs and tow tractors are diesel-powered. The Smith PT350 can tow a baggage train weighing up to 15,000kg and carry up to an additional 2,000kg on its flat bed; transporting luggage from the aircraft to the terminal. This helps reduce airlines time and costs during baggage transfers, as well as saving energy and cutting emissions. While some CO2 is still generated at the power station to create the electricity that drives the Smith PT350, it is still far greener than a standard baggage tow tractor. Official UK Government research indicates that a typical electric vehicle delivers a 40% “well-to-wheel” CO2 saving vs. a standard vehicle.
Kevin Harkin, Sales Director at Smith Electric Vehicles, said: “There are Smith electric tow tractors operating at airports the world over. It is great to see one in our home airport, as a mobile advert for the region’s leading position in low carbon vehicles.”
The Smith tug is in operation at Samson Aviation located in the Southside of the airport. Newcastle International is encouraging other operators working within the airport to view the vehicle, in order to encourage them to follow Samson’s lead. This trial forms part of the Airport’s wider green initiative, which includes a highly successful cycle to work scheme and a Metro Saver scheme. It is also considering the feasibility of electric car charging points.
For further details on Smith Electric Vehicles, please contact Dan Jenkins on 07536 092 682 or email dan@brightsparkspr.com.
ENDS
For all press enquiries regarding Newcastle International Airport, please contact Nicola Quinn on nquinn@newcastleinternational.co.uk.