European LCC easyJet is set to permanently roll out of Project APU-Zero at its Milan Malpensa base following a successful trial at the northern Italian base.

The proof of concept, tested in September 2024, allows aircraft to switch off its APU

However, when stationary during turnaround, APUs use a considerable amount of fuel which contributes to both noise and carbon emissions on the apron.

To solve this challenge and create a clean and quieter environment on the ground for both staff and passengers – easyJet and its partners TCR, PCA manufacturer Guinault and ground-handling partner Menzies, with the full cooperation of SEA Milan Airports, traded in the APU for electric and hybrid Pre-Conditioning Air Units.

READ: Honeywell wins APU support contract for Air Arabia’s A320neos

PCAs, a mobile Ground Support Equipment solution connects to the airport’s Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) via the gate, instantly cutting down the noise and fuel burn that came with its predecessor while simultaneously providing filtered and conditioned air to passengers and crew during the boarding and deboarding process.

Following the trial on 57 aircraft operating out of and into Milan Malpensa’s Terminal 2, which is fully operated by easyJet, the airline saw a reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions. The airline estimates it’ll make an annual fuel saving of 1,115 tonnes – equivalent to 3,636 tonnes of Co2.

Speaking on the initiative, Lahiru Ranasinghe, Director of Sustainability at easyJet, said:

“At easyJet we take a holistic approach to reducing our impact in the air and on the ground. This trial, part of our operational efficiencies workstream, resulted in fuel and emissions savings and a reduction in noise, without affecting our operation. This is yet another small but important step that contributes to our broader decarbonisation journey and is an excellent example of an initiative that provides both environmental and business benefits.”

“Following this successful proof of concept with our partners TCR, Guinault and Menzies we hope to replicate this model and deploy this initiative to many other bases that we operate in across our network.”