Ground Team Red (GTR) Launches Electric Baggage Tractors for use at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, Advancing Sustainable Aviation in Malaysia

Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), a leading aviation ground services provider in Malaysia, officially launched its first fleet of Electric Vehicle (EV) Baggage Tractors for use at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. 

The launch ceremony marks the deployment of 20 EV Baggage Tractors, the first phase of a planned 60-unit rollout. This represents the largest deployment of electric vehicles in Malaysia’s aviation industry to date, underlining GTR’s leadership in sustainable ground operations.

These innovative EV Baggage Tractors are set to reduce carbon emissions by 67%. Over an 84-month period, the operation of these 20 units are expected to eliminate 7,200 tonnes of CO₂, contributing significantly to the aviation sector’s decarbonisation efforts. In addition, the transition from diesel to electric tractors is projected to reduce operational costs by 43.5%, saving RM5.97 million over the same period.

YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia, who graced the event, commended GTR’s initiative: "The future of aviation lies in sustainability, and the Ministry of Transport is committed to this transition. GTR’s proactive efforts in adopting electric ground service equipment exemplify how private sector initiatives can play a critical role in our journey toward decarbonizing the aviation industry. We look forward to seeing more organizations align their operations with the government’s long-term goals to achieve net zero emissions by 2050"

GTR’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this launch. The company has outlined plans to explore additional Electric Ground Service Equipment (GSE) and green energy sources, further supporting Malaysia’s ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Musdalifa Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of GTR, emphasized the company’s dedication to driving sustainable change: "Today’s launch is not just about new equipment, it’s about setting a new standard for sustainable aviation ground services in Malaysia. At GTR, we’re committed to being at the forefront of green technologies in our industry. This deployment of EV Baggage Tractors marks a significant step forward in our sustainability journey and aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s Aviation Decarbonization Blueprint. We’re actively exploring ways to expand our use of electric GSE and incorporate more green energy solutions across our operations. Our goal is to continuously reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation in Malaysia. This initiative positions GTR at the forefront of green initiatives in Malaysia’s aviation sector, demonstrating our commitment to driving positive change in the industry"

This initiative by GTR not only demonstrates the company’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices but also sets a benchmark for the industry, encouraging other players to adopt environmentally friendly solutions. As Malaysia continues its path towards sustainable development, GTR’s efforts serve as a prime example of how businesses can align their operations with national environmental goals while maintaining operational excellence.

About Ground Team Red (GTR)

Ground Team Red (GTR) is a leading ground handling service provider in Malaysia, formed as a joint venture between SATS Ltd and AirAsia. GTR is committed to delivering high-quality ground services, including passenger, ramp, and cargo handling, while prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency. With a vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, GTR is at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to enhance its service offerings.