Nantes, France – February 2026 – Nantes Atlantique Airport has commissioned new electrical infrastructure aimed at significantly reducing emissions from ground operations, following 15 months of construction and an investment of €15 million. The project marks a major step in the airport’s transition towards low-carbon aviation and aligns with both VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy and European decarbonisation regulations.
The upgraded infrastructure includes 12 electrified aircraft stands and 100 new electric charging points for airside vehicles and ground support equipment, enabling a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use on the apron.
Key Highlights
Electrification of Aircraft Stands
- 12 aircraft stands are now fully electrified
- Aircraft at contact stands can access electric power and air conditioning directly
- Eliminates the need for auxiliary power units (APUs) and thermal equipment
- Helps reduce Scope 3 emissions generated by airlines and ground handlers
Expanded Electric Charging Network
- 100 electric charging points installed across the apron, including:
- 7.4 kW chargers for light vehicles
- 120 kW chargers for buses
- Dedicated sockets for baggage tractors and refuelling vehicles
- Enables the transition of ground fleets to electric power
- Expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ground operations by up to 50%
Investment and Funding
- Total investment: €15 million
- Funding breakdown:
- 70% funded by Aéroports du Grand Ouest (AGO)
- 30% supported by the European Union, with backing from Banque des Territoires
- Complies with the European AFIR regulation, which mandates electrification of aircraft stands by 2030
Part of VINCI Airports’ Net-Zero Strategy
- The project supports VINCI Airports’ goal of achieving net zero emissions across its EU and UK airports by 2030
- Part of a broader environmental commitment launched in 2016, targeting zero net emissions (Scope 1 and 2) across the network by 2050
Executive Comments
Guillaume Dubois, Chairman of Aéroports du Grand Ouest and CEO of Nantes Atlantique Airport, said:
“By electrifying aircraft stands and deploying charging stations for ground support equipment, we are helping to reduce emissions from airlines and ground handling companies. This is fully in line with our strategy to reduce the environmental impact of airport activities, while also addressing emissions generated by third parties.”
Richard Ferrer, Head of the Alternative Fuels Sector at CINEA, added:
“By electrifying its ground services, Nantes Atlantique Airport is positioning itself among Europe’s leading airports committed to the decarbonisation of aviation. With nearly €4.5 million in EU support, this project represents a major step towards a sustainable, low-carbon airport model.”
About VINCI Airports
VINCI Airports is the world’s leading private airport operator, managing more than 70 airports across 14 countries. The group acts as a full-service integrator, overseeing airport development, financing, construction, and operations, while driving infrastructure modernisation and environmental transition.
Conclusion
With the commissioning of its new electrical infrastructure, Nantes Atlantique Airport strengthens its position as a frontrunner in sustainable aviation, delivering immediate emissions reductions and supporting Europe’s long-term climate objectives.
