Recently, JAL announced that on May 9, 2024, it put into service its first electric ground power unit (eGPU). It did so at Matsuyama Airport in cooperation with Tamagawa Aero Systems.
Conventionally diesel-powered, ground power units are used to supply electric power to aircraft parked on the ground when the use of auxiliary power units (APUs) built into aircraft is impossible or undesirable. While one of the challenges with introducing eGPUs is the lack of charging infrastructure at airports, JAL was able to do so in Matsuyama by “converting the power plugs used for snowplow vehicle heaters.”
The lithium-ion battery-powered GPU was manufactured by ITW GSE and can handle approximately 14 Boeing 737-800 flights on a single charge. Currently, there are over 400 units in service globally.
While this is the first time for JAL itself to use a battery-powered GPU, its group companies Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System have been using them from March 2023 and from March 2024 respectively. The former uses them at seven airports including Tanegashima, Yakushima, Kikaijima, Amami, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabujima, and Yoron. The latter uses them at three airports including Sappooro Okadama, Rishiri, and Okushiri.
Fuji Dream Airlines started using a battery-powered GPU manufactured by AGP in March 2024 too.
