Hawaiian Airlines electrifies most of its Honolulu ground fleet
Following testing and feedback from operational teams, Hawaiian selected the Charlatte T137 baggage tractor, the Charlatte CBL2000 belt loader and the Kalmar TBL100 towbarless pushback tractor for the fleet renewal programme. According to the airline, Charlatte modified the belt loader design to improve compatibility with both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, as well as other aircraft types.
The new electric equipment also incorporates additional safety features. These include enclosed cab configurations designed to protect baggage tractor operators from weather conditions and an advanced sensor-guided aircraft approach system integrated into the belt loaders.
The electric fleet is used to support approximately 180 daily arrivals and departures at Honolulu Airport and handle more than 8,500 checked bags per day. Hawaiian expects the new equipment to improve operational efficiency and working conditions for ramp personnel through lower noise levels and the elimination of engine exhaust emissions.
“Electrifying our ground support fleet in Honolulu, our second-largest hub, represents an important step in our long-term sustainability strategy,” said Hawaiian Airlines. “By investing in cleaner, quieter and more efficient equipment, we’re reducing our environmental impact, enabling safe and reliable operations, and improving the workplace for our teams and the travel experience for our guests.”
The electrification project is supported by charging infrastructure installed by the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT). The state agency has deployed 30 charging stations with a total of 60 charging points at multiple locations across the airport. A further four charging stations, providing eight additional charging points, are currently under construction and are expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2026.
HDOT is also providing Hawaiian Airlines and other airlines operating electric ground support equipment (GSE) with access to the charging infrastructure free of charge for the first two years.
“Hawaiian Airlines’ new fleet of electric ground support equipment represents an important contribution to our efforts to build long-term energy security for Hawaii,” HDOT stated. “As part of this collaborative effort, HDOT is providing Hawaiian Airlines and other airline partners that have electric GSE with access to the charging stations at no cost for two years.”
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