Schiphol Takes Major Step in Capacity with Purchase of New Electric Buses

Schiphol Airport has announced the acquisition of more than 50 new electric buses from MAN, a leading truck and bus company. This significant investment focuses on improving capacity, reliability, and continuity in passenger transport between the aircraft and terminal.

 

Enhanced Passenger Experience

The new buses feature three doors and a lower floor, allowing for quicker and easier boarding. The innovative layout maximizes space, accommodating more standing passengers than previous models. This design aims to enhance the flow of passengers, reducing waiting times and expediting transfers to and from the terminal.

Timeline for Implementation

Set to be operational by April 2025, this electric fleet will replace the older generation of buses that have reached the end of their service life. This transition ensures that Schiphol maintains a dependable and efficient bus service, crucial for managing the increasing size of aircraft and ongoing renovations at the airport.

Commitment to Sustainability

In tandem with the new buses, Schiphol is also renovating its driver rest area into a sustainable facility that meets high energy standards. The new building will be energy positive, generating more electricity than it consumes, thereby reflecting Schiphol’s commitment to enhancing the work environment for employees while minimizing its carbon footprint.

Vision for the Future

Sybren Hahn, Executive Director of Infrastructure at Schiphol, emphasized the importance of this upgrade. “With this new generation of buses, we can take a step forward in terms of passenger comfort and continue to guarantee reliability,” he stated. He highlighted the ongoing necessity of bus transport due to larger aircraft and major renovations.

Partnership with MAN

Tillo Smets, Sales Manager for Public Transport at MAN Nederland, expressed pride in the continued partnership with Schiphol, noting its alignment with the airport’s ambitious zero-emission goals.

Emission-Free Airport by 2030

Looking ahead, Schiphol has set an ambitious target to be fully emission-free by 2030. This goal encompasses all airport operations, including ground services, aiming to eliminate emissions entirely on and around the runways.