b'50 DTW GROUND SUPPORTDetroit Metro Begins Implementing Electric Ground Support Equipment BY MICHELLE GARDNERThe adage time is money rings painfully true aboutKeen to Go Greenramp operations. Aircraft engines idling while pilots waitA decade ago, DTWs operator, the Wayne County Airport for open gates, passengers waiting to board or deplane,Authority, worked with utility provider DTE Energy and the Electric and ramp personnel waiting to service aircraft all cost money.Power Research Institute to perform an audit on existing ground Prior to the advent of electric- and battery-powered groundsupport equipment that could be electrified. In its Zero Emissions support equipment, all of this wait time added up to dollarsRoadmap presented in 2020, the Airport Authority officially disguised as fossil fuel fumes.encouraged airlines to consider switching to all-electric or battery-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michiganpowered PCA and GPU equipment and offered partnerships is nearing the end of a multi-year, $13 million project to replacefor grant assistance. However, this strategy hinged on funding its diesel-powered ground power units (GPUs) and pre- and cooperation from the airlines. The 2020 report also included conditioned air (PCA) units with low-emission electric alternatives.information about the DTE Rebate program, a public funding This eco-upgradepart of the airports long-term developmenttool the Airport Authority previously used and plans to continue planis designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption byusing to improve energy efficiency for new construction and major eliminating trucks that fuel ground support equipment. And whilerenovations.all ground support equipment can eliminate the need for fuel- In late 2021, DTE Energy announced a $7 billion, five-year burning aircraft to run their auxiliary power units (APUs) to powerinvestment in the electric grid for southeast Michigan, where electrical systems, air conditioning and pressurization, DTWsDTW is located. Its goal is to prepare for demands by consumers new electric versions do it with a cleaner environmental twist.and businesses for more electrification of current and developing In turn, less noise and fumes on the ramp will create a healthiertechnologies as well as increasingly severe weather trends. work environment for ramp workers.A few years ago, Alberto Rocha, sales director for the But, this type of improvement initiative requires time and money.Americas at ITW GSE, had the unenviable task of telling the Airport Authority that its aging fleet of the companys ground January | February 2026AirportImprovement.com'