Aviation Benefits
12 March 2025
easyJet is set to permanently roll out of Project APU-ZERO at its Milan Malpensa base following a successful trial at the northern Italian base.
- The APU-ZERO Project saw easyJet turning off the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a gas turbine engine located at the aircraft's tail section, which provides electrical power and air conditioning when turnarounds are in process.
- The trial saw the APU replaced with a Pre-Conditioning Air Unit (PCA) which uses Fixed Electric Ground Power (FEGP) from the airport to provide heating, cooling air and power to a stationary aircraft’s cabin.
- The trial, conducted in collaboration with TCR, PCA manufacturer Guinault, and handler organisation Menzies Aviation, tested the performance of the PCA units alongside the installed reporting methods. This ensured a consistent cabin temperature, enhanced crew and passenger comfort, and provided clear insights into turnaround performance.
- Following the trial’s success, the mobile PCA solution will be gradually rolled out for use in easyJet’s operations at Milan Malpensa, with full implementation expected by May.
- easyJet estimates the rollout will save ~1,150 tonnes of fuel annually for airline operations at Milan Malpensa Airport, equivalent to ~3,600 tonnes of CO2.*
