EasyJet to permanently implement APU-ZERO Project at Milan Malpensa to cut fuel, emissions, and noise

Credit: easyJet

EasyJet is set to roll out its APU-ZERO Project permanently at Milan Malpensa Airport (MPX) after a successful trial, aiming to reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and noise. The trial replaced the aircraft’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a gas turbine engine providing electrical power and air conditioning during turnarounds, with a Pre-Conditioning Air Unit (PCA). This solution uses Fixed Electric Ground Power (FEGP) from the airport to supply conditioned air and power to the aircraft, reducing fuel burn and noise.

Details of EasyJet’s permanent implementation of APU-ZERO

In collaboration with TCR, PCA manufacturer Guinault, and ground-handling partner Menzies Aviation, the trial, conducted on 57 easyJet aircraft, showed significant reductions in fuel use and carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to save around 1,150 tonnes of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 3,600 tonnes annually at Milan Malpensa.

Lahiru Ranasinghe, easyJet’s Director of Sustainability, said, “This trial resulted in fuel and emissions savings and a reduction in noise, without affecting our operation. This is yet another small but important step in our decarbonisation journey.”

Menzies Aviation’s Katy Reid added, “It’s fantastic to see this permanent switch to electric-powered Pre-Conditioning Air Units at Milan Malpensa. This highlights the strength of collaboration between airlines, airports, and aviation services to reduce emissions.”

“The Collaboration between key stakeholders – Airbus, Guinault, easyJet and Menzies has enabled us to develop an integrated solution for actively managing APU usage on the ground.

“Witnessing the substantial reduction in APU runtime not only highlights carbon footprint reductions achieved but also considerable cost savings while supporting our customers in their sustainability journey.”

In total, easyJet will be deploying 16 PCA units at MPX with six units being added this month and another six in April, while the four remaining units will be added in May.

Since launching its roadmap to decarbonise its operations in 2022, easyJet continues to invest in several operational efficiencies to help lower its impact in both the air and the ground. Just recently easyJet achieved its best-ever per-passenger carbon intensity for 2024 – a 5.6% improvement versus the Net Zero baseline of 2019.

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