California's Ontario Airport Gets $4.15 Million FAA Grant for Electric Ground Equipment
Award covers 75% of charging infrastructure costs at Terminals 2 and 4.
Ontario International Airport in California has received a $4.15-million federal grant to expand its fleet of electric ground support equipment, the FAA announced.
What Happened
The Federal Aviation Administration awarded Ontario International Airport (ONT) $4,147,752 through its Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program. The grant covers 75% of the $5.53-million project cost to install electric ground support equipment charging infrastructure at Terminals 2 and 4. This is the airport's third VALE grant in three years, following previous awards that funded ground power units and pre-conditioned air systems.
Why It Matters
Ground support equipment includes vehicles used to shuttle luggage and tow aircraft. Electric GSE suits airports well because these vehicles operate short distances with heavy loads and can recharge at depot facilities between shifts. Replacing diesel-powered GSE with electric alternatives reduces fuel consumption while aircraft are parked at terminals.
The Bottom Line
The VALE program helps airports meet emissions reduction goals by funding eligible infrastructure projects. Ontario's latest award brings its total federal support for electric ground equipment to three consecutive grants, enabling both the airport and its airline partners to continue cutting operational emissions.
