Developing Manchester Airport Group’s Electrification Strategy
65
Million passengers annual across Manchester, London, Stansted and East Midlands airports
2038
Net Zero Target
20 Year
Investment plan enabling financially viable electrification
Challenge
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is one of Europe’s largest airport operators, serving 65 million passengers annually and handling more than 700,000 tonnes of cargo.
MAG committed to achieving net zero operations by 2038 and an ultra-low emissions fleet by 2030. Electrifying airport ground transport presented significant challenges including:
- Space and power constraints across complex, live airport environments
- Ecosystem complexity involving airlines, ground handlers, ride-hailoperatorsand partners
- Immediate tactical needs alongside long-term infrastructure planning
- Capturing commercial value from charging opportunities
The challenge was to develop a comprehensive EV Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) strategy that could power the transition without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Solution
VEV partnered with MAG to design and implement an integrated, data-driven electrification strategy built around four core pillars.
- Modelling Net Zero Transport Operations
- Energy requirements at full electrification
- Half-hourly charging profiles and peak demand patterns
- Optimal charger types and numbers for each use case
- Designing the Future EV Charging Network
Scoping and designing charging locations across all three airports, reviewing power availability and identifying required HV network upgrades and substation investments.
- Shaping a 20-Year Investment Profile
A phased cost and revenue model covering infrastructure, grid upgrades and commercial charging opportunities.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Ecosystem Enablement
Engagement across airlines, ground handlers, coach operators and ride-hail partners to align the strategy with all users of the airport ecosystem.
"What stood out immediately was VEV’s depth of experience and expertise — not just in charging infrastructure, but in how to make it work operationally in a complex environment like an airport"
Outcome
- Strategic clarity across all airport locations
- Implementation readiness with detailed site designs and specifications
- Ecosystem enablement supporting partners’ sustainability commitments
- Organisational alignment around a common roadmap
The integrated EVCI strategy positions MAG to achieve net zero goals while supporting long-term operational growth and financial viability.
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Detail
MAG owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. Its sustainability strategy aims to lead sustainable airport operations while enabling its partners and ecosystem to transition to EVs.
VEV’s data-driven, collaborative approach delivered a comprehensive roadmap to electrify all airport fleets, balancing infrastructure design, cost modelling, operational continuity and long-term commercial viability.
