## AirAsia Takes Flight with Green Technology: Combo Units Cut Carbon Emissions at KLIA
AirAsia is making waves in the aviation industry by implementing an innovative solution to combat carbon emissions at airports. In a move that underscores their commitment to sustainability, the airline has unveiled state-of-the-art ground support technology at their primary hub, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2. The initiative, showcased at an event attended by the Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook, centers around the introduction of Combo Units, a game-changing technology that promises significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
What are Combo Units?
Developed in partnership with Smart Airport Systems (SAS), Combo Units are advanced ground support equipment that seamlessly combine the functions of a Ground Power Unit (GPU) and an Air Conditioning Unit (ACU). These units provide essential electrical and cooling support for aircraft while they are stationary on the ground, either prior to departure or during transit.
Traditionally, aircraft have relied on their Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for these functions. APUs, powered by aviation turbine fuel, contribute significantly to operational costs and environmental impact. By replacing APUs with Combo Units, AirAsia anticipates a remarkable 90% decrease in CO2 emissions associated with APU usage during optimal use, leading to a substantial reduction in operational costs.
A Green Aviation Revolution
The introduction of Combo Units is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a significant step towards a greener aviation industry. According to the Annual Report 2023 from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), aircraft emissions account for 53% of total CO2 emissions at airports, with 23% of this directly attributed to APU usage. AirAsia’s initiative is poised to make a tangible impact on Scope 1 emissions from ground operations.
Minister of Transport Lauds Initiative
YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, expressed his enthusiastic support for AirAsia’s proactive approach to sustainability. He commended the airline for being the first in Malaysia to adopt Combo Units, highlighting their alignment with the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint, which emphasizes in-sector solutions for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing airport efficiency.
AirAsia’s Commitment to Sustainability
Kesavan Sivanandam, Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group, emphasized that the adoption of Combo Units technology reinforces AirAsia’s dedication to sustainability. The initiative addresses a key measure identified in the Ministry of Transport’s Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint, calling for all airlines operating at Malaysian airports to have access to facilities and options for utilizing GPUs and Pre-Conditioned Air units during transit and aircraft servicing activities.
SAS: A Leader in Sustainable Aviation
Amaury Papillault, Regional Director of Smart Airport System (SAS), highlighted SAS’s commitment to zero-emission initiatives. He expressed the company’s delight in partnering with AirAsia on their journey towards a reduced carbon footprint. Papillault emphasized the role that turning off APUs plays in effectively reducing aircraft ground emissions and highlighted Combo Units as a readily deployable solution for all airlines looking to decarbonize their operations. He also pointed out that the shift to Combo Units improves working conditions for ground technicians and handlers by reducing air and noise pollution.
A Promising Future
AirAsia is set to deploy its first four Combo Units from SAS this month, with plans to expand their use at KLIA Terminal 2 and all major domestic hubs by the end of 2025. Once fully implemented, these units are projected to reduce AirAsia’s ground-based emissions by an impressive 20,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This ambitious initiative showcases AirAsia’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices and sets a positive example for the industry as a whole.
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