American Airlines Introduces Solar-Powered Ground Equipment

New "Zero-Emission" Technologies at Major Airports Are Part of Long-Term Commitment to Healthy Environment

American Airlines today introduced the industry’s first solar-powered ground service equipment as part of the airline’s continuing commitment to a healthy environment in the communities it serves. The introduction of the new solar-powered equipment comes on the heels of last month’s announcement that American Airlines became the first airline to go "all-electric" with applicable ground-service equipment at El Paso International Airport, a community with severe air-quality concerns.

The new solar-powered equipment includes two fueling carts at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the first of 13 to be immediately deployed throughout American’s operations in Miami, San Francisco, Chicago and San Juan, Puerto Rico. American plans to introduce more solar-powered fueling carts into service at numerous airports throughout the United States, as traditional vehicles are normally replaced.

"We’re proud to lead the industry in pioneering clean technologies," said American’s Vice President of Safety, Security and Environment Tim Ahern. "Through investments in solar, electric and other innovative technologies, American has made a clear commitment to the environment and the communities we serve through a balanced, sustainable approach to our business practices."

Each solar-powered fueling cart is 16 feet long, weighs 8,000 pounds, lifts up to 13 feet in the air, pumps 900 gallons of fuel each minute, and powers itself – quietly, and with zero air emissions – at up to four miles per hour. The carts pump fuel from the airport’s underground piping system into American’s wide-body airliners. When the sun isn’t shining, the act of fueling a plane allows the cart to recharge its onboard batteries through electric alternators connected to the fuel-pumping system. In addition to its environmental benefits, the solar-powered carts have substantially lower operating costs than traditional equipment.

"Environmental stewardship is responsible business," Ahern said. "Ultimately, balancing economic viability with environmental performance will lead to the best long-term solutions for our communities and our customers."

American Airlines demonstrates its commitment to balanced environmental stewardship through a wide range of environmentally friendly initiatives. The airline also promotes corporate environmental awareness and accountability throughout the international airline industry. At the same time, American has dramatically improved environmental awareness and safety by significantly increasing the number of personnel with environmental responsibilities at the corporate and station level.