Five years of innovation trials have delivered advances in airport electrification, digital cargo handling and sustainable mobility, while a new SAF blending pilot marks the programme’s final phase.

Brussels Airport has presented the results of Stargate, a five-year European innovation programme that has delivered more than 30 projects aimed at advancing sustainable airport operations. Working with 22 partners and supported by the European Commission, the programme focused on decarbonisation, local quality of life and sustainable mobility.

Several of the initiatives tested through Stargate have now been integrated into day-to-day airport operations, providing practical insights into how airports can reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.

“Over the past five years, Stargate has turned ambition into concrete action. We have been able to test innovative technologies in daily airport operations, learn what works and what still requires further development. We actively share that knowledge with other airports so that the whole sector can become more sustainable more quickly. Lots of what we have tested today within the framework of Stargate will become the standard practice at European airports tomorrow. Stargate has been a success, which could only be achieved thanks to the good collaboration between all partners. We will continue to work towards a more sustainable airport with the same conviction and ambition.” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.

Decarbonisation and operational efficiency

A major focus of the programme has been the electrification of ground handling equipment. Technologies first tested in 2021, including electric ground handling vehicles trialled with DHL, are now part of daily operations at Brussels Airport.

Through Stargate, Skytanking also developed two customised electric fuel dispensers that are now used regularly at the airport. Similar electrification efforts were carried out at Athens International Airport, including the deployment of electric apron service vehicles.

The programme also examined the use of hydrogen-powered ground handling equipment at both Brussels Airport and Aéroport de Toulouse-Blagnac. The trials highlighted hydrogen’s potential for applications where electrification is not practical, while also identifying challenges related to infrastructure and fuel supply.

Improving the local environment

Several projects sought to reduce the impact of airport operations on surrounding communities. One such initiative was a trial of the Taxibot system in partnership with TUI. The semi-automated towing vehicle enables aircraft to taxi without using their engines.

According to measurements carried out by VITO, the technology can reduce noise levels by between 10 and 15 decibels and decrease ultrafine particle emissions by up to 80%. While operational benefits vary depending on an airport’s taxiing conditions, Brussels Airport said the project generated insights that are being shared with other airports.

Digital cargo handling

The Stargate programme also supported the rollout of the Digital Green Lane, a fully digital process for cargo delivery and collection powered by BRUcloud applications.

Brussels Airport reported that 95% of goods handled in its cargo zone are now processed through the system. The digital process has contributed to shorter waiting times for lorries, reduced paperwork and lower CO₂ emissions.

Encouraging sustainable travel

Increasing the use of sustainable transport to and from the airport formed the third pillar of Stargate. Brussels Airport and Aéroport de Toulouse-Blagnac developed sustainable mobility plans to assess the needs of passengers and employees and identify actions to encourage more sustainable travel choices.

Initiatives included shared bicycles, a public transport information kiosk and a feasibility study examining high-speed rail connections. At Budapest Airport, an application was developed to improve vehicle navigation and safety on the apron.

Working with a dedicated bike manager, Brussels Airport also introduced a number of cycling improvements, including enhanced signage and additional cycle paths. The airport said cycling traffic has increased for two consecutive years. A cycle counter on the route to the terminal recorded a 20% increase in cyclists during 2025, while average cyclist numbers across all counting points were 7% higher in 2026.

SAF blending pilot

The final Stargate project is a pilot involving a mobile blending installation for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), developed in partnership with Skytanking. Brussels Airport said it is the first airport in Europe to test such a system and among the first globally.SAF consists of a sustainable fuel component blended with conventional kerosene. The mobile installation enables kerosene to be blended on demand with higher proportions of sustainable fuel. Current European regulations require airlines to use SAF at a 2% blend rate, which is supplied at Brussels Airport through its underground fuel pipeline network.

The pilot aims to assess how fuel can be supplied to airlines seeking higher SAF blend levels and to evaluate any effects on local air quality. The project will continue until the end of the year.The Stargate consortium includes Athens International Airport, Budapest Airport, Aéroport de Toulouse-Blagnac, Brussels Airlines, TUI, DHL Aviation, Engie Laborelec, Air Cargo Belgium, Skytanking, skeyes, To70 Aviation, Lux Mobility, Hasselt University, Erasmus UPT, IES R&D, Sopra Steria, the Province of Flemish Brabant, Quatra, VITO, NMBS, the Flemish Institute for Logistics and Arup.The Stargate project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA101037053.