Air bp introduces new custom-designed all-electric refuelling vehicle at Brisbane Airport

Air bp, the international aviation fuel products and services supplier, has introduced a next generation new model all-electric refueller (“refueller”) for customers lifting Jet-A1 at Brisbane Airport (BNE), one of Australia’s largest airports.

The refueller was put into operation on 30 August 2022 at Brisbane Airport. Attending on the day, was The Hon Catherine King MP, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, who spoke more broadly about decarbonising the aviation sector.

This refueller uses Lithium-Ion batteries and digital charging mechanisms making it the first all-electric hazardous goods vehicle and refueller approved for use in Australia.

The refueller can carry approximately 16,000 litres of fuel and has been designed to operate for a full day with overnight charging. Air bp also anticipates that the electric refueller will reduce bp’s operation and maintenance costs when compared with similar diesel-fuelled refuellers.

The refueller was manufactured in collaboration with SEA Electric, a global leader in e-mobility solutions which provided the electric power system and Refuel International, a global manufacturer and supplier of specialised refuelling vehicles, equipment, and support services to the aviation industry.

Speaking at the launch event at Brisbane Airport, Daniel Tyzack, Managing Director, Air bp Asia Pacific said: “Air bp has been collaborating with SEA and Refuel International for two years on the custom-designed and specialised electric refueller to meet exacting performance and safety requirements. We are delighted to launch the refueller at Brisbane Airport where we are responsible for fuelling 30 airlines and approximately 100 flights daily. Our work reflects bp’s ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero by working with our customers to help decarbonise fuelling operations.”

“SEA Electric is proud to be partnering with bp on this world-leading project,” said Tony Fairweather, CEO and founder SEA Electric. “By successfully producing our first SEA 500 aircraft refuelling truck complete with an SEA-Drive® 120-35 fully electric power system, we have opened up an entirely new application that helps set the standard for environmental credentials.”

“Refuel International are very proud to have developed Australia’s first all-electric aviation refueller in partnership with Air bp and SEA. Refuel International have been Air bp’s builder of choice in Australia for over twenty years and this relationship has led to this significant achievement. This refueller delivers to the aircraft with zero fuel consumed and zero tail pipe emissions whilst meeting the requisite levels of safety and regulatory compliance,” Geoff Pinner, General Manager for Refuel International.

This announcement builds on Air bp’s experience in launching the world’s first electric refueller in 2002 at Long Beach California and its introduction of the first generation of electric hydrant dispensers at Brisbane airport in 2005; which are still in operation at Darwin and Perth airports.

This reinforces Air bp’s commitment to its carbon reduction plan, including global carbon neutral accreditation for Air bp’s refuelling activities across its operated sites and is also proudly certified under the Australian Government’s Climate Active program.

Over time, it is Air bp’s intention to introduce the refueller at other Air bp operated sites.

Air bp’s new custom-designed all-electric refuelling vehicle at Brisbane Airport

About Air bp

As the aviation division of bp, Air bp is one of the world’s leading suppliers of aviation fuel products and services. It has been investing in the aviation industry for more than 90 years to keep people flying safely around the world. In 2019 we supplied over 6.7 billion gallons of aviation fuel, fuelling over 7,000 flights per day at over 700 locations in more than 55 countries – that’s more than five planes a minute.

Its customers include commercial airlines, the military, business and private aircraft owners, airports and airfield operators. Air bp has a wide range of services to support its fuel offer including the design, build and operation of fuelling facilities, technical consultancy and training, low carbon solutions, the Sterling Card for efficient general aviation refuelling and innovative digital platforms to increase efficiency and reduce risk.

For more information, go to www.airbp.com

Glenn Byers

bp Press Office – Australia

Glenn Byres

+61 419 695 435

Email: bppressANZ@bp.com

Emerald Media, tel. +44 1420 560094

liz.danner@emeraldmedia.co.uk

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

Our Number has changed:

bp Press Office – Australia

What Our Members Say

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

bp Press Office – Australia

What Our Members Say

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

Paul Cremer

Jason Hayward

James Moreton

James Hardie

Aoife O’Sullivan

Alex Durand

Marc Bailey

Sarah Towerzey

Heather Gordon

Lindsey Oliver