Upcoming Introduction of Centralized Electric Ground Support Vehicles at New Terminal 6 by JFK

Electric ground support vehicles to be introduced at the new Terminal 6 of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), marking a shift towards greener operations.

, and Administrator

2025 September 19 . 10:37 PM

2 min read

Introducing Electrified Ground Support Vehicles at the New Terminal 6 by JFK

Upcoming Introduction of Centralized Electric Ground Support Vehicles at New Terminal 6 by JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is set to make a significant leap towards sustainable aviation with the introduction of a pooled fleet of electric ground support equipment (e-GSE) at its new Terminal 6. This modernisation project, a joint venture between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), is part of a wider $19 billion modernisation programme at JFK Airport.

The pooled e-GSE at Terminal 6 is designed to cut emissions associated with diesel-powered vehicles, with the fleet expected to remove about 2,500 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This initiative is a step towards the Port Authority's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, including a transition to the use of all commercially available zero-emission ground support equipment at its airports.

JMP aims to seek LEED and Envision Gold certifications for Terminal 6, reflecting its commitment to sustainable construction. The new terminal will feature high-efficiency building infrastructure, including over 4,000 solar panels installed, stormwater reuse systems, and a goal to divert 90% of construction waste.

The fleet will be managed and operated by Fortbrand Services, a Long Island-based company specialising in supporting New York airports. Fortbrand Services has been appointed to oversee the fleet through real-time monitoring systems, ensuring efficient and effective use of the equipment.

Each gate at Terminal 6 will have dedicated electric ground handling equipment available for use by different operators. The shared use of the equipment across airlines is expected to improve airside efficiency.

The first six gates of Terminal 6 are scheduled to open in 2026, with full completion expected by 2028. This redevelopment is one of several projects underway at JFK Airport, marking a new era of sustainable and efficient air travel in the region.

JFK Airport will be the first in North America to introduce pooled e-GSE across a new terminal, setting a precedent for other airports to follow. With more than 1,500 electric units already deployed across the Port Authority's three major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty), this initiative is a testament to the Port Authority's commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.

This modernisation programme involves both public and private investment, signifying a collaborative approach towards a greener and more efficient future for air travel. The debut of the pooled e-GSE fleet at Terminal 6 is a significant milestone in this journey, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation industry.