Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Advances Toward Zero Emissions with New Electric Shuttle Buses

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Advances Toward Zero Emissions with New Electric Shuttle Buses

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (Billy Bishop Airport) is taking a significant step towards environmental sustainability. PowerON Energy Solutions has successfully installed charging infrastructure for the airport's new electric shuttle buses. These buses, operated by Nieuport Aviation, will provide a green connection for passengers, employees, and community members traveling between Union Station and the downtown airport.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to minimize carbon emissions associated with airport access. The newly installed charging infrastructure, commissioned by PowerON, features artwork by Indigenous student artist Roma Maré. This artwork acknowledges the airport's location on the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

Ontario Power Generation's subsidiary, PowerON, was chosen for this project and has successfully installed the required charging infrastructure at the central pavilion and on the island where the airport terminal is situated. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. In collaboration with shuttle bus service provider TOK Group, Nieuport Aviation has ordered six Vicinity Lightning™ electric buses, which are anticipated to be operational on Toronto's streets by 2024.

Introducing these electric shuttle buses is projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2,100 tonnes annually. With eco-friendly access options like the fully electric Marilyn Bell ferry and the pedestrian tunnel, Billy Bishop Airport stands out as one of the few global airports that can be accessed by walking or biking. Remarkably, 41% of the airport's passengers opt for sustainable transportation modes, including walking, biking, the complimentary shuttle bus, or public transit.

Todd Smith, Ontario's Minister of Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the shift towards electric vehicles in various sectors, including transportation. Jennifer Quinn, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Nieuport Aviation, emphasized the collaborative efforts with PortsToronto to promote a cleaner and greener airport environment. Keegan Tully, Managing Director at PowerON Energy Solutions, and Warren Askew, Vice President, Airport at PortsToronto, also shared their insights on the significance of this sustainable initiative.

PowerON Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, specializes in providing charging infrastructure and energy management solutions for diverse fleets. Nieuport Aviation, the owner and operator of the Passenger Terminal at Billy Bishop Airport, is dedicated to offering world-class services to its 2.8 million passengers annually.