One of the essential conditions of the organized purchase is that the vehicles must be driven solely by electricity. In this way, the company is implementing an action plan in pursuit of the strategic goal of becoming a CO2-neutral organization by 2030, while improving passenger experience and increasing comfort. Up to 15 new electric buses are planned to be purchased through organized procurement.
“Changes in the passenger service transport park are implemented after more than half a year of analysis of alternatives, consultations with manufacturers and potential suppliers and passenger service companies operating at Vilnius airport.
Clearly defined criteria for organized procurement will enable the purchase of new, modern electric buses that are not only non-polluting, but also better meet the needs of passengers. Compared to the current diesel ones, the operating costs of electric buses will be lower, they will work more efficiently, they will be quieter and more comfortable”, says Arnas Dūmanas, Head of the Lithuanian Airports Development Department.
Buses at Vilnius airport transport passengers between aircraft and the terminal. According to the current regulation, transfers with their buses are currently carried out by ground handling companies, which are directly hired by airlines to serve passengers, but this procedure will change after the airports acquire new buses.
The start of bus operation is in 2026
It is planned to start operation of the new buses according to the new procedure at the Vilnius airport at the beginning of 2026. Lithuanian airports, when preparing the technical specifications for the purchase of electric buses, were guided by the requirements for airport passenger transport set by the international airport organization IATA.
In order to adopt the good experience of operating electric buses, Lithuanian airport specialists also consulted with Stuttgart Airport, which is a pioneer in the use of electric buses at the airport in Europe. The lessons learned by Oslo public transport regarding the operation of electric buses in harsh winter conditions were also evaluated.
It is reminded that Lithuanian airports will simultaneously start the development of charging stations in the internal areas of Vilnius airport, so that the infrastructure for the service of electric buses will be prepared even before they start driving on the territory of Vilnius airport.
Tags: Lithuanian airports buy electric buses serve passengers Vilnius airport
