Munich Airport launches new electric bus depot to drive zero-emission apron operations by 2035

Munich Airport (MUC) and its ground handling subsidiary AeroGround have officially opened a new electric bus depot, marking a major step towards zero-emission apron operations.

The launch was attended by Ulrich Lange, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers, and AeroGround Managing Director David Konradi, along with representatives from NOW GmbH and MAN Truck & Bus.

Located in the southern part of the airport, the depot currently provides 37 charging stations for battery-electric passenger buses. By late summer 2025, an additional 13 points will be added. A third stage, planned within two years, will add 22 more chargers and carports with photovoltaic systems.

“With this new depot, we’re building the necessary infrastructure for fully electrified ground operations on the aprons,” said Lammers. “Half of our current ground fleet already runs on battery power. This project is another big step forward for our ‘Net Zero 2035’ strategy, bringing us closer to operating as a carbon-neutral airport.”

Ulrich Lange added: “By subsidising 72 electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure, we are providing Munich Airport with targeted support to modernise its bus fleet. This sends a clear signal for progressive mobility, both for domestic and international guests. This investment demonstrates that innovative technologies are advancing beyond theory and being implemented in the daily operations of one of Europe’s largest airports.”

The Net Zero 2035 strategy commits Munich Airport to eliminating its CO₂ footprint by 2035 at the latest. The eBus fleet already saves more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, a figure expected to exceed 4,000 tonnes once the full transition to electric vehicles is complete.

As of May 2025, AeroGround operates 37 zero-emission buses, including 20 standard-length and 17 articulated units. Eighteen more will be introduced by year end, with capacity to expand to 72 vehicles. Beyond passenger shuttles, AeroGround is electrifying all ground handling equipment. In 2024, 173 new zero-emission vehicles were deployed, including transporters, conveyor belts, stairs, lift trucks and passenger cars.

The €23.8 million project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Transport under the German Recovery and Resilience Plan via the EU’s NextGeneration programme.

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