JFK International Air Terminal Reveals First Ever Electric Buses at JFK T4

At the beginning of March, JFK IAT held a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce our new electric buses provided by COBUS Industries, a leading manufacturer of airport mobility products. The new program introduces electric buses to T4 as an alternative to diesel-powered buses.

The eCobuses will help us achieve our goal of operating only electric all-ground service equipment at the airport. These buses are used to deplane passengers who arrive on remote stands and transport them to the terminal, or from the terminal to the aircraft for boarding. Over the next few years, we will receive two buses a year – for a total of six buses – with the final delivery of the fleet in 2024. Transitioning away from fossil fuel usage, our electric buses are powered by three battery packs. The buses will be designed with JFKIAT branding that also highlight our commitment to sustainability. The deployment of electric buses is another step in T4’s mission to divert away from diesel powered ground service vehicles and towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative. This will benefit all stakeholders, from our customers, employees, and surrounding local environment.

“As a core component of our company mission, we are committed to taking the necessary steps to reducing our carbon footprint across our operations at T4,” said Roel Huinink, President and CEO of JFKIAT. “We are always looking for innovative technology and ways to further our sustainability goals, and we are proud to collaborate with COBUS Industries to launch this program at Terminal 4.”

JFKIAT, through its comprehensive sustainability program, continues investing in innovative initiatives focused on energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction, climate resiliency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, biodiversity, and sustainable transportation. JFKIAT’s strategy is centered on operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, economic stability, and a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for customers and employees. JFKIAT also has an ongoing program to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its diversion rate through the implementation of recycling and composting programs. In September 2022, JFKIAT became the first airline terminal in the United States to receive Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for pre-existing air terminals.