12 UK airports to slash emissions with dedicated Mercedes electric van fleet

A dozen UK airports have adopted a fleet of bespoke electric and low-emission Mercedes-Benz vans to help reduce the impact of their ground operations.

London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham are among the major UK sites involved in the switch by aviation services firm Swissport for its runway operations.

The UK-wide fleet of 33 pure electric and low-emissions vans is part of Swissport’s sustainability strategy to have 55% of its ground support vehicles fully electric by 2032.

Of these vans, over 50% are the high-roof, long wheelbase eSprinter 314 with the 81kWh battery. Other Mercedes electric vans run by Swissport include the larger eSprinter 320 and the compact eCitan.

The eSprinters are responsible for handling maintenance tasks and staff transfers, while the eCitan provides regular support across airside operations. The vans feature custom-built, multi-compartment boxes for transporting catering waste, plus dedicated spaces for maintenance equipment and easy access for ground staff.

Swissport’s decision to switch to electric aims to reduce emissions for airline passengers, improve the efficiency and safety of daily tasks, and reduce emissions in nearby communities.

Heathrow and Manchester will take on seven vans apiece, while Luton, Stansted, and Birmingham will add two to their groundside operations. Gatwick, East Midlands, and Belfast. Bristol, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Edinburgh have purchased just one each.

Following the tie-up, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK managing director, Iain Forsyth, said: “This once again shows how Mercedes-Benz Vans has the backs of customers operating in challenging, highly pressurised environments.

“We worked in partnership with Swissport so they’re able to meet strict operational and safety requirements, while also supporting long-term sustainability ambitions. It is also great to be trusted with the maintenance and servicing of this fleet – a testament to our long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.

“Our proven expertise and extensive service network ensure we deliver excellence in these critical areas, helping to make airside operations safer, more efficient, and more reliable.”

Swissport CEO, Karen Cox, added: “This partnership with Mercedes-Benz demonstrates Swissport’s commitment to turning sustainability goals into operational reality across our UK operations. Working with a trusted partner gives us the reliability and innovation needed in our demanding 24/7 airport environments, while significantly reducing our environmental footprint.”