Japan Airlines (JAL) and Tamagawa Aero Systems have introduced lithium battery-powered Ground Power Units (GPUs), known as ‘eGPU’, at Matsuyama Airport.
The ITW GSE-manufactured ‘eGPU’ introduced this time can continue to supply electricity to a Boeing 737-800 during its turnaround for about 14 flights when fully charged. It is the first time JAL has introduced this, and there are over 400 units installed worldwide. The deployment faced challenges in installing the charging facilities and securing AC power, but at Matsuyama Airport, these were resolved by converting the power plugs used for snowplow vehicle onboard heaters.
As a result, carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced to zero compared to conventional methods, and noise levels have been reduced by about 30%. This is expected to improve the working environment for operators, as well as reduce noise and environmental problems around the airport, contributing to the conservation of the global environment.
