Green Steps At Soekarno-Hatta Airport, VKTR And Gapura Angkasa Launch Environmentally Friendly Electric Buses

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The adoption of electric buses by PT Gapura Angkasa is good news for the opening of Lebaran at Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Cengkareng. In a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing operational efficiency, PT VKTR Mobility Technology Tbk (VKTR) together with PT Gapura Angkasa today announced the use of Electric Apron Passenger Buses and chargers at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Cengkareng.

This innovative initiation is not only about adopting advanced technology, but also about demonstrating the company's strong commitment to sustainable practice and environmentally friendly mobility.

PT Gapura Angkasa is a company engaged in flight support services, by providing land handling services, cargo handling, and other flight-related services to airlines operating in Indonesia.

VKTR, as the pioneer of commercial vehicle electrification in Indonesia, has been chosen by Gapura Angkasa, a leading ground handling service provider, to introduce efficient transportation solutions and minimal environmental impacts. This collaboration lists important milestones in Indonesia in the utilization of electric vehicles for airport operations, supporting national ambitions to achieve Net Zero Emission by 2060.

Through this agreement, PT Gapura Angkasa appointed VKTR to provide an Electric Apron Passenger Bus and Charger unit which will be handed over at the operational location at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Cengkareng.

With the provision of 60 units of electric buses by VKTR from June 2022 to April 2024, 1.8 million liters of diesel fuel have been successfully saved, equivalent to a reduction of more than 5 million kilograms of CO2.

This initiative is a concrete step towards a significant reduction in carbon footprint that can be adopted by Soekarno-Hatta Airport and other airports throughout Indonesia as a concrete example of the positive effect of transportation electrification on the environment. In addition, the increase in environmentally friendly vehicles can also reflect PT Gapura Angkasa's commitment to sustainable practices in providing their ground handling services.

"We are proud to be part of this positive change. Working with Gapura Angkasa not only shows confidence in our technology but also our common vision for a greener and more sustainable transportation future," said Gilarsi W. Setijono, CEO of VKTR, in a written statement, Wednesday, April 10.

The Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Karya Sumadi, also conveyed the commitment of the Indonesian government to increase the target of reducing unconditional emissions from 29 percent to 31.89 percent and conditionally from 41 percent to 43.20 percent. The target has been stated in the Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (ENDC) document.

"To achieve the target of reducing emissions, the Ministry of Transportation has committed to encouraging the development of the Battery-Based Electric Motor Vehicle (KBLBB) industry for domestic and even global market needs. Currently, the number of KBLBB is based on a Type Test Registration Certificate issued as of January 22, 2024, which is 122,630 units," said the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Karya Sumadi, while attending a groundbreaking event for electric vehicle facilities at the Tri Sakti, Magelang, Central Java, Tuesday, February 27.

This agreement affirms the commitment of VKTR and PT Gapura Angkasa in supporting the transformation towards more environmentally friendly and efficient mobility. In addition, this agreement also creates a positive image as an airport that cares about the environment and ensures suitability with stricter environmental regulations.

Investment in efficient chargers also ensures reliable availability to charge electric vehicles, maintains the smooth operation of airports.