Norwich International Airport in the UK has expanded its fleet of battery powered, zero emission ground service vehicles.

A FAST growing regional airport is expanding its green fleet of zero emission vehicles.

Norwich International Airport in the UK is taking delivery of two new Jumbotug tractors, which are used for pulling baggage trains and light maintenance duties.
Roger James, international sales manager for Jumbotugs, said: "We are delighted to be supplying more of our environmentally friendly vehicles to Norwich International."

Jumbotugs are battery powered electric vehicles, meaning they emit no noxious fumes.

Norwich now has a fleet of six Jumbotugs tractors - four PT350s and two JT6E models.

Mr James said: "Reducing vehicle emissions from airport aprons is becoming an increasingly important issue.

"Forward-thinking airports like Norwich International are already finding ways to replace their airside fleets of combustion engine vehicles with lower emission alternatives.

"Jumbotugs are perfect in this respect, because they are zero emission, but still provide the power and performance to get the job done."

The PT350 platform tug is a rugged and reliable vehicle, specifically designed to provide short haul airlines with a quick turnaround time.

It can tow weights of up to 15,000kgs and carry up to an extra 2,000kgs on the rear platform. This means luggage can be loaded directly from the cargo hold onto the PT350, thereby eliminating the need for conveyor belts - saving airlines time and money.

The JT6E is a four wheel drive, heavy duty vehicle that tows up to 6,000kgs and can also carry an additional 250kgs of last minute luggage on the rear platform.
Norwich International is one of the fastest growing airports in the UK, providing affordable flights and package holidays to over 650 worldwide destinations.
Passenger numbers for 2005 exceeded 600,000, representing a 33 per cent increase year on year.

A spokesperson for Norwich International, said: "We are growing at a phenomenal rate and needed to increase our fleet of airport apron vehicles accordingly.
"Reducing emissions is of importance to Norwich International and using zero emission vehicles is one way we can contribute to improving our air quality."
Work is already underway on a £4 million extension to terminal facilities, increasing capacity to 2 million passengers a year.

The expansion will include an extended departures lounge and arrivals hall. It will also provide an increased, improved retail and catering quarter, offering passengers a wider range of choice and better quality facilities.
New routes due to start in the Spring include an Air Southwest service to Bristol, plus Flybe services to Exeter and Bordeax in France.
ENDS