Wellington Airport going electric

Wellington Airport intends becoming a hub for short-haul electric aircraft.

It’s partnering with electric aircraft manufacturer Heart Aerospace and bidding to host Air New Zealand’s ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’ while developing an electric bus charging facility and replacing nearly all airside operations vehicles (excluding Fire Service ones) with hybrid/electric models.

That’s included in Wellington Airport’s newly released first climate-related disclosures report, highlighting challenges and opportunities posed by a changing climate.

The report outlines how the airport is managing governance, strategy and risk along with measuring progress towards targets such as net zero emissions for its own direct operations by 2030.

It highlights physical risks such as storm surge and extreme weather events, and adaption strategies including planned renewal of its sea defences.

“Every responsible business should be reducing its own emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change,” says Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke.

“In aviation we have to prepare for changes affecting our physical assets, future travel patterns, government regulation and emerging technologies.

“It’s vital we get this right, given the importance of air travel to Wellington’s economic and social wellbeing.

“The report highlights a positive opportunity for Wellington to be a hub for short-haul electric flights, given our unique geographic location at the centre of the country.”

Clarke says while there’s still work to do, the report highlights Wellington Airport is on the right track.

Mandatory climate-related disclosures are required from 2024 and Wellington Airport’s disclosures will be updated each year.

It also intends converting $100 million of bank facilities into sustainability linked lending and establishing a community garden to help recycle and reduce waste.

EVs and Beyond has previously reported on Wellington Airport’s electric intentions, including Heart Aerospace, ElectricAir’s visit, and the October opening of SIXT’s EV services there.

Click here for the full report.