Clay Lacy Aviation, Jet Aviation, and StandardAero each put new electric equipment into service, advancing VNY’s 2030 zero-emission goal
VAN NUYS, Calif. – Van Nuys Airport (VNY) announced today three of its major tenants have deployed new zero-emission ground support equipment (zeGSE) at the airfield, advancing the airport’s policy requiring a full transition to zero-emission GSE by January 1, 2030.
Clay Lacy Aviation, Jet Aviation, and StandardAero have each recently put new electric equipment into service at VNY, collectively reducing fossil fuel consumption and lowering emissions at one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports.
“Van Nuys Airport is proud to have tenants who share our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Jacob Haik, Airport Manager, Van Nuys Airport. “Each of these equipment deployments reflects the kind of partnership that will allow us to achieve our zero-emission goals and continue to be good neighbors to the San Fernando Valley community.”
Clay Lacy Aviation has deployed the nation’s largest all-electric aircraft refueler in the United States, a 7,000-gallon capacity unit manufactured by Skymark Refuelers. The vehicle operates on an all-electric, zero-emission drivetrain and will be used to dispense both Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and conventional jet fuel. It meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and features a thermal management system and smart monitoring capabilities for enhanced operator safety and control.
“Adding the nation’s largest all-electric aircraft refueler to our Van Nuys Airport FBO is another significant step in our commitment to sustainable advancements in the business aviation industry,” said Scott Cutshall, President, Real Estate and Sustainability, Clay Lacy Aviation. “This investment builds on years of initiatives we’ve implemented into our operations and facilities. We’re proving every day that we can provide world-class service while reducing our environmental impact and being good neighbors to the San Fernando Valley community.”
Jet Aviation has deployed a TLD JET-16 electric baggage tractor, an all-electric vehicle capable of towing up to 25 tons at zero carbon emissions during operation. The JET-16 uses AC voltage propulsion technology and can accommodate lithium-ion battery configurations, enabling rapid charging and extended operational range.
“Across our global business, we are committed to supporting our industry’s efforts for a more sustainable future,” said Matt Feinstein, Vice President FBO Operations, EHS & Security at Jet Aviation. “We do this through the services we offer our customers, how we build and operate our infrastructure, and how we empower our employees to be part of the solution. We are very proud to work with our partners and other airport tenants to take part in this initiative to introduce more electric vehicles into our operations and support a reduction in emissions in Van Nuys. It builds on similar efforts we have made here and across our network.”
StandardAero is utilizing an Eagle ETT-12X electric aircraft tug at its Van Nuys facility. The high-capacity tug features four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, and a fully electric powertrain, and can tow business jets and regional airliners up to 171,000 lbs. The deployment supports StandardAero’s Sustainability Net Zero Roadmap and directly advances the airport’s zeGSE initiative.
“At StandardAero, sustainability is built into how we operate based on decades of environmental protection and performance experience, and adding an electric aircraft tug is a clear example of that,” said Brian Skrobarcek, Enterprise Vice President Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability, StandardAero. “It helps cut emissions on the airfield, reduces impact to the community, and supports our broader path toward net-zero. We’re proud to be part of Van Nuys Airport’s leadership on zero-emission ground operations and the commitment to sustainable aviation.”
Earlier this year, VNY became the first general aviation airport in the nation to adopt a Zero-Emission Ground Service Equipment Policy and Incentive Program. The policy, approved by the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC), established a $250,000 incentive program to help tenants offset the cost of transitioning to zero-emission equipment, with individual incentives ranging from $10,000 to $65,000 per qualifying piece of equipment.
For more information about LAWA’s sustainability goals, visit lawa.org/lawa-sustainability.