THE BLUEPRINT:
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Fortbrand to oversee electric ground support fleet at JFK Terminal 6
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New terminal to reduce 2,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions yearly
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Shared electric equipment model monitored in real time via telematics
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Terminal 6 set to open first phase in 2026, with completion by 2028
Plainview-based Fortbrand Services announced that it will be managing the all-electric ground support fleet of vehicles at JFK International Airport’s new $4.2 billion Terminal 6 that’s currently under construction.
JFK will be the first airport in North America with new terminals employing pooled electric ground support equipment that will eliminate around 2,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, the equivalent emissions produced by driving a gasoline-powered car 6 million miles, according to a joint statement from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected to build and operate JFK’s new Terminal 6.
Each of Terminal 6’s 10 gates will have its own set of electric ground support equipment, which will be shared by ground handlers operating at the terminal in a common-use setup. The equipment will be monitored and tracked by JMP and Fortbrand in real time. The initiative features a mix of on-site and remote charging stations, while telematics software will communicate the equipment’s real-time GPS location, battery life, authorized drivers, speed controls, maintenance reporting, and more.
“Fortbrand was founded over 40 years ago to support New York’s airports, so we are excited to partner with JMP to provide JFK T6 with essential equipment, maintenance, and fleet management services for this innovative operation,” Jared Verano, CEO of Fortbrand, said in the statement.
In 2022, the Port Authority established the zero-emission airside vehicle rule, requiring the transition to zero-emission ground service equipment at the region’s three major airports, with all commercially available GSE fleet required to be zero-emission by 2030. So far, airlines and terminal operators have deployed 1,504 pieces of e-GSE at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports. That number will increase with the opening in 2026 of T6 and New Terminal One, which will also operate an all-electric, pooled e-GSE fleet when it opens later in 2026.
“The Port Authority’s nation-leading commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 includes a transition to the use of all commercially available zero emission ground support equipment at the region’s airports,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said in the statement. “The agreement between JFK Millennium Partners and Fortbrand to serve Terminal 6 with shared electric ground support equipment represents an exciting step toward reaching our goal.”
The new Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first six gates opening in 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028.
Fortbrand, which is owned by funds advised by Basalt Infrastructure Partners LLP, provides ground support equipment and airport maintenance equipment to airports, airlines, ground handlers, cargo operators, FBOs, and other aviation customers. The company also offers maintenance, repair services, refurbishments, and fleet management solutions.
David Winzelberg
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