How Is Leeds Bradford Airport Reducing Noise And Emissions With New Electric Power Units?

Picture an airport. You're probably thinking of the roar of jet engines as planes take off. But there's a lot of other noise and activity happening on the ground long before a plane even gets to the runway. On 22.08.25, Leeds Bradford Airport took a big step towards making that ground-level buzz a whole lot quieter and cleaner. It's all thanks to some clever new kit that's changing the way aeroplanes get their power when they're parked up at the gate.

What's all the noise about?

Ever sat on a plane waiting to depart and heard that constant humming sound, even when the main engines are off? That's usually the Auxiliary Power Unit, or APU for short. It's a small engine, often in the tail of the aircraft, that acts like a mini generator. It keeps the lights on, the air-con running, and all the cockpit gizmos powered up whilst the plane is on the ground. It's pretty essential stuff.

But there's a catch. APUs run on jet fuel. So, every minute a plane sits at the gate with its APU running, it's burning fuel, creating carbon emissions, and adding to the overall noise of the airport. It's a bit like leaving your car engine running just to listen to the radio - not very efficient and not great for the planet. This constant drone contributes significantly to what's known as ground noise, which can be a real headache for airport staff and people living nearby. Plus, it has a direct effect on local air quality, which is a big concern for everyone. The long-term environmental impact of hundreds of planes doing this every day really adds up.

Plugging in for a greener future

So, what's the alternative? Well, Leeds Bradford Airport has come up with a brilliant solution. It has installed eight brand-new Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) units. Think of them as massive, heavy-duty charging points for aeroplanes. When a plane parks at a stand equipped with one of these, it can just plug directly into the airport's power grid and switch its own APU off completely. Simple, right?

The best part is that these new electric power units run entirely on renewable electricity. This move swaps noisy, fuel-guzzling mini-engines for clean, quiet power straight from the grid. It's a game-changer for the airport's sustainability goals. The introduction of these Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) units is one of the most significant sustainability initiatives the airport has recently undertaken. It tackles three big problems at once:

• Less Noise: Switching off the APUs makes the airport apron a much quieter place. This is great for the ground crew working around the planes and for the local communities affected by constant ground noise.
• Cleaner Air: No more burning jet fuel on the ground means fewer emissions. This directly improves the air quality around the airport.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Using renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels drastically cuts the carbon emissions for each flight before it even leaves the ground, reducing the overall environmental impact.

What the people behind the project are saying

This isn't just a small tweak; it's a major part of the airport's plan to be a better neighbour and a more responsible business. The teams handling corporate affairs and sustainability are rightly proud of this step forward. Joselyn Rankin, who is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at LBA, explained the impact of the new units.

She said: "Introducing these FEGPs is helping make a real difference to the environment on the ground at LBA; for our people, our customers and our neighbours. Not only do they help us reduce carbon emissions, but they also improve air quality and reduce ground noise, which can impact our local community. Following a thorough commissioning and training period, we're delighted to have Jet2 and Swissport making full use of the new FEGPs across all eight stands."

It's clear that major partners are already on board. Jet2, the biggest airline operating out of the airport, has been working closely with LBA on various sustainability initiatives. They see these electric power units as a win-win, making their operations more efficient whilst also being kinder to the environment. The move supports the green credentials of their entire aircraft fleet.

David Neill, the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Jet2, added: "We are delighted to be working jointly with Leeds Bradford Airport on sustainability initiatives, and these new electric power points will help make our operation more efficient and reduce ground noise. As the largest operator at Leeds Bradford Airport, we know our customers will welcome this development alongside the many initiatives we are making within our aircraft fleet as part of our Sustainability Strategy." Ground handling teams from partners like Swissport are also now fully trained and using the new systems, ensuring a smooth transition.

Part of a bigger plan

These Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) units aren't just a standalone project. They are a key piece of the airport's official Noise Action Plan. This is a detailed strategy focused on finding practical ways to reduce the airport's noise footprint and minimise disruption for local residents. By tackling ground noise head-on, the airport is showing a real commitment to this plan.

Ultimately, it's all about creating a cleaner airport experience for everyone involved - from the passengers flying in and out, to the staff working on the ground, and the communities that call the area around the airport home. It's one of many important sustainability initiatives that, step by step, are making air travel a little bit greener. This focus on sustainability at Leeds Bradford Airport is helping to shape a quieter, more pleasant environment for all.