In November last year, British Airways ordered 38 right-hand-drive buses from COBUS consisting of 15 powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and 23 electric-powered vehicles.
Deliveries of COBUS 2700S HVO buses will start this summer and British Airways plans to deploy electric e.COBUS 2700S buses next summer when charging infrastructure has been installed.
British Airways has selected the short 2700S due to its small turning circle, which makes manoeuvring easier on the busy apron.
The 2700S can carry up to 77 passengers and has doors on both sides, making it easier for passengers to get on and off the bus.
Patricia Vasconcelos, CEO of COBUS Industries, said: “We are delighted to support British Airways, one of the world's leading airlines, with our innovative buses for efficient and more sustainable passenger transportation. This order once again underlines the convincing quality and technological pioneering role of our apron buses, particularly on the European market.”
Tom Moran, Director of Heathrow at British Airways says reaching net zero by 2050 or sooner requires action both in the air and on the ground.
He says: “This investment into our ground operations vehicles at Heathrow is part of our wider environmental objective to minimise emissions from our airside ground operation. We’re proud of the work we are doing in this space and are excited to continue improving the running of our ground operations at Heathrow.”
