Bristol Airport to receive 21 new electric buses in new year

The vehicles will transform its A1 and A3 Flyer routes as part of the airport’s net zero plan and will replace the current diesel-powered buses, making the entire Airport Flyer fleet fully electric as part of its 2030 climate goal.

The announcement was made by aviation minister Keir Mather MP during his first airport visit in the role, accompanied by North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan.

Hannah Pollard, head of sustainability at Bristol Airport, said: "This is all part of our commitment to achieve net zero operations by 2030.

"We’re on track to meet that challenging target thanks to our major private investment, with emissions being cut through the replacement of diesel vehicles with electric across our airside and landside fleet."

The A1 route, which serves Bristol Temple Meads, the city centre bus station, and Bedminster, will use new electric double-decker buses.

The A3, linking Weston-super-Mare, Worle, Congresbury, and Cleeve to the airport, will operate electric single-deckers.

The switch to electric is expected to cut emissions by around 74 per cent, saving an estimated 1,327 tonnes of CO2e annually.

That's roughly equivalent to 4.83m miles driven in a petrol car.

Rob Pymm, commercial director for First Bus in the West of England, said: "We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Bristol Airport to introduce a fully electric fleet on the A1 and A3 Airport Flyer services next spring.

"This investment not only brings environmental benefits, but also quieter and smoother journeys for customers."

The new buses are fully air-conditioned, and feature USB charging points and Wi-Fi will continue to be available onboard.

All buses have disabled access, space for wheelchair users and room for guide dogs to sit next to their owners.

Hannah Pollard said: "Both the A1 and A3 Airport Flyers are increasingly popular with our customers and staff, with over one million journeys already this year.

"And with 70 per cent of our workforce living within a 20-mile radius, many can benefit from the free staff travel that the services offer."