Brussels Airport has presented the results of Stargate, a five-year European programme that tested more than 30 projects aimed at decarbonising airport operations, improving local quality of life and encouraging sustainable transport.
Working with 22 partners and support from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, the airport accelerated the introduction of electric ground-handling equipment. Electric fuel dispensers developed for Skytanking are now used daily, while hydrogen-powered equipment was tested at Brussels and Toulouse. The trials found potential for hydrogen where battery-electric solutions are impractical, although supply and infrastructure remain obstacles.
A trial conducted with TUI using the TaxiBot aircraft towing system showed that engine-off taxiing could reduce noise by 10 to 15 decibels and ultrafine-particle emissions by up to 80%, depending on operational conditions and taxiing distances.
Stargate also supported the rollout of Brussels Airport’s Digital Green Lane for cargo deliveries and collections. The paperless system now processes 95% of goods passing through the cargo zone, reducing lorry waiting times and associated emissions.
Sustainable access initiatives included additional cycling infrastructure, shared bicycles, improved public-transport information and a study into high-speed rail links. Bicycle traffic on the route towards the terminal increased by 20% in 2025, with a further average rise of 7% recorded across counting points in 2026.
The programme’s final trial uses Europe’s first mobile installation for blending sustainable aviation fuel at an airport. The system allows kerosene to be mixed on demand with a higher proportion of sustainable fuel for airlines seeking to exceed the EU’s current 2% SAF requirement. The pilot, conducted with Skytanking, will continue until the end of 2026.
This post was published on 23 September 2026 23:33
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