Electric ground support vehicles to be introduced at Terminal 6 of JFK Airport as part of a new shared fleet initiative.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is set to revolutionise ground operations with the introduction of a pooled fleet of electric ground support equipment (eGSE) at its new Terminal 6 (T6). This initiative, a joint venture between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), and Fortbrand Services, marks a significant step towards sustainable practices and the airport's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
T6, the first airport in North America to implement a common-use eGSE system, is being developed in two phases. The first six gates are expected to open in 2026, with the entire terminal projected to be completed by 2028. The setup at T6 will include on-site and remote charging stations, ensuring the eGSE fleet's smooth and efficient operation.
Currently, 1,504 pieces of eGSE are in operation at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports. With the opening of T6 and New Terminal One, this number is expected to rise. The all-electric fleet at T6 is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2,500 metric tonnes annually.
The eGSE at T6 will be monitored in real time by JMP and Fortbrand to ensure compliance with operational standards while enhancing safety and efficiency. Each of the terminal's ten gates will be equipped with eGSE that ground handlers will share. Telematics software will provide real-time data on the equipment's location, battery status, and maintenance needs.
T6 will incorporate various sustainability features, such as high-efficiency building systems, over 4,000 solar panels, stormwater capture and reuse, and a commitment to divert 90% of waste through recycling during construction and operation. This commitment extends to the ground support equipment, as the Port Authority mandated a transition to zero-emission ground service equipment at major airports in 2022, with a target for all commercially available GSE fleets to be zero-emission by 2030.
The introduction of the all-electric T6 ground fleet has been hailed as a game changer for airlines by Karen Ali, JMP's chief operating officer. This initiative not only demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable practices but also positions them among top leaders driving advancements in the aviation industry.
In April 2025, the Port Authority, in partnership with Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), opened a $270m consolidated cargo handling centre at JFK. The Airport Technology Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in the aviation industry, serve as a platform to showcase such achievements, elevate industry profile, and position participants among top leaders driving advancements.
This eGSE project does not involve any reports or data insights, nor does it pertain to B2B marketing or policy changes. However, it underscores the Port Authority's dedication to sustainable practices and its commitment to reducing emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for aviation.
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