Adelaide Airport to replace fleet with electric buses
Adelaide Airport plans to become the first airport in the country to operate a fully electric bus fleet after awarding SkyBus the rights to operate all air-side and land-side shuttle buses at the precinct.
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Adelaide Airport will introduce a fully electric bus fleet as early as next year, after awarding SkyBus the rights to operate all air-side and land-side shuttle buses at the precinct.
The five-year agreement followed a competitive tender process, and will see buses supplied by local manufacturer Precision Buses.
The four new buses will support the airport’s on-site shuttle services, including its long-term car park shuttle and air-side buses servicing regional airlines.
SkyBus will not replace the JetExpress service provided by Adelaide Metro or other operators connecting the airport with the Adelaide CBD.
Adelaide Airport’s plans would make it the first airport in the country to operate a fully electric bus fleet.
Adelaide Airport executive general manager Brenton Cox said SkyBus was chosen to operate the airport’s bus fleet after demonstrating a focus on “service efficiency, reliability and airport sustainability”.
“Adelaide Airport is the aviation gateway to South Australia, processing more than eight million passengers annually – and we strive for innovative solutions and continuous improvements in all areas including bus transport,” he said.
“The ability to engage a leading operator and local industry to provide a sustainable transport solution for both air-side and land-side buses is an excellent outcome for all of our stakeholders.”
SkyBus, owned by Melbourne-based transit company Kinetic, operates across Australia and New Zealand, servicing airports in cities including Melbourne, Gold Coast, Hobart and Auckland.
Kinetic co-chief executive Adam Begg said SkyBus would offer passengers and staff a “next generation transport experience”.
“SkyBus has a long and successful track record partnering with major airports across Australasia, to deliver market leading transit options,” he said.
“We are excited about Adelaide Airport’s appetite for innovation and what will be an exciting future for the airport.”
Edinburgh-based Precision Buses was established in 2016, and a year later built Australia’s first electric buses for the then State Government.
SkyBus will commence servicing the airport from next month.