Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has become the first cargo handler at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to introduce electric cargo towing vehicles. This is the latest global initiative to support SATS’s group priorities in the areas of environmental, social and governance (ESG).
“The Goldhofer Sherpa E6 tow vehicles supplied by our vehicle partner TCR are used to support WFS’s ramp and cargo handling services for more than 50 airlines at AMS, one of Europe’s busiest air cargo locations,” says an official statement from WFS. The Goldhofer Sherpa E6 tow vehicle produces no emissions and operates with low energy costs and lower noise levels.
WFS operates four warehouses at AMS with an area of over 17,500 m² and has special facilities for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products certified according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and IATA CEIV Pharma, the press release added.
After additional vehicles have been ordered, WFS will operate a fully electric fleet of towing vehicles in Amsterdam by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
“This is the latest step in our journey towards sustainability and our zero-emissions goal,” says Stéphane Scholving, Managing Director of Dutch WFS. “These new electric vehicles not only contribute to SATS and WFS’s ESG priorities, but also improve the working environment for our employees thanks to their low noise levels and ease of use. The improved tow bar also improves safety and reduces the need for manual lifting.”
Rob Spijker, Manager Sales & Business Development at TCR, adds: “In support of the Roadmap Zero Emission Airside Operation in 2030 launched by the Royal Schiphol Group in 2023, we are delighted that WFS is the first cargo handler at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to introduce electric-powered cargo tugs. In collaboration with TCR, WFS tested several demonstration tugs before choosing the Goldhofer Sherpa E6. This electric cargo tug offers at least the same performance as the diesel tugs it replaces, but without the emissions. WFS has also invested in a fast-charging system to fully charge empty batteries within 80 minutes, ensuring optimal availability within its very busy handling operation.”
WFS’s other sustainability initiatives include the use of LED lighting in warehouse operations, packaging recycling programs, eco-driving courses for employees to increase fuel efficiency and the use of biodegradable plastic to wrap air cargo pallets, the press release added.
