Malta International Airport has launched a €12.5 million electrification programme designed to reduce emissions from aircraft ground operations.
Malta International Airport (MLA) has announced a €12.5 million Airfield Electrification Programme designed to reduce emissions generated during aircraft ground operations and support long term airport decarbonisation targets.
The project is expected to be completed by 2028 and forms part of wider sustainability initiatives aligned with European aviation climate objectives.
Malta Airport advances airfield electrification and emissions reduction
According to Malta International Airport, the programme is expected to prevent the emission of approximately 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually once fully operational.
The investment will introduce 35 hatch-pit systems capable of supplying parked aircraft with direct electrical power while on the apron.
Airport officials stated that this infrastructure will significantly reduce reliance on diesel powered Ground Power Units during aircraft turnaround operations.
Areas where hatch-pit installation is not technically feasible will instead be supported through the deployment of mobile battery powered Ground Power Units and associated charging infrastructure.
The programme also includes installation of 20 charging points for battery powered equipment and 15 electric bus charging points aimed at supporting the transition towards lower emission ground handling operations.
A major upgrade of the airport’s electrical infrastructure also forms part of the project, including five medium voltage substations, two generators and a new electrical network with peak installed capacity of 7.5 MVA.
Justine Baldacchino said the investment reflects the airport’s broader roadmap focused on deploying low emission technologies and expanding solar energy use.
The project has received €5.4 million in co-financing from the European Union through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility under the Connecting Europe Facility programme.
Malta International Airport stated that the electrification programme will contribute towards both national climate goals and wider European airport decarbonisation efforts.
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