The Port Authority, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have announced the installation of eight new charging stations for electric ground support equipment at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). These dual-port chargers can power up to 16 Delta Air Lines’ electric ground support vehicles simultaneously, including baggage tugs and airplane tow tractors.
Installed by NYPA, these chargers advance the Port Authority’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This effort aligns with a 2022 mandate requiring operators to transition to zero-emissions ground support equipment at all three major Port Authority airports, subject to the availability of commercial models and necessary infrastructure.
“The Port Authority is honoring its commitment to reduce emissions in the communities we serve,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These ground support equipment chargers will support a cleaner, more sustainable future for all kinds of critical airside equipment and will serve as an example of our commitment to work hand-in-hand with our operational partners toward a greener future.”
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasized the importance of public and private sector cooperation: “We thank our partners in both the public and private sectors who agree on the urgency of the climate threat before us and the need to convert dirty polluting diesel equipment to clean electric equipment. These chargers help pave the way for more electric conversions of operational equipment and a more sustainable future for airport operations. We thank NYPA, Delta, and JKFIAT for their partnership.”
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll highlighted NYPA's role: “New EV charging infrastructure for electric fleet vehicles at the Delta terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport is another advancement that will help decarbonize New York’s busiest airport. NYPA is proud to have provided expert guidance and oversight for this important terminal electrification project and we will continue to seek additional electrification opportunities with Port Authority as we move New York state forward toward a clean energy economy.”
NYSDEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar noted how funding from a historic settlement supports these efforts: "The funding from the historic Volkswagen settlement continues to bolster New York state’s ongoing efforts to invest in increased electrification of the state's transportation system, reducing the pollution that contributes to climate change. The addition of the newest JFK Airport charging stations and electric ground support equipment will reduce fuel usage, resulting in a cleaner and safer airport for workers and travelers alike."
Roel Huinink, CEO of Terminal 4 operator JFKIAT, expressed pride in their sustainability initiatives: “Sustainability is one of the key pillars of our mission to responsibly steward the largest terminal at JFK Airport and prepare it for the future... We look forward to further partnering with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Delta Air Lines, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on this new initiative.”
Delta Air Lines' Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia DeLuca underscored Delta's commitment: “Investing in technology to reduce our climate impact within our ground operation is a vital part of Delta’s forward-thinking sustainability strategy... We commend New York state for prioritizing modern, sustainable airports and look forward to our continued partnership.”
The newly installed MVS400 PosiCharge dual-port chargers are located at JFK’s Terminal 4. They complement existing infrastructure installed by JFKIAT in 2021.
Ground service equipment accounts for about 8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions at JFK. The new chargers are expected to prevent over 320 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Funding for these chargers comes from a grant allocated through NYSDEC from Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust funds.
JFK also hosts other sustainability projects under Port Authority's agenda. This includes solar projects providing electricity locally.
NYPA has previously assisted with several other electrification initiatives at JFK since 2019.
Other sustainability efforts across Port Authority airports include solar installations at Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. The agency aims for its light-duty non-emergency vehicle fleet to be 50 percent electric by 2025.
Funds from Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust were also used at Newark Liberty International Airport’s new Terminal A.
About NYPA:
The New York Power Authority operates generating facilities and transmission lines across New York state. More than 80 percent of its electricity production comes from renewable hydropower.
