CA’s Ontario International Airport to Receive Nearly $4.15M for Electric Ground Support Equipment Charging

On August 26, 2026, California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) announced it was awarded nearly $4.15 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand its clean-energy infrastructure. The award represents the airport’s third and largest federal Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) grant in three years.

The $4,147,752 grant will cover 75% of the $5.53 million cost of installing electric ground support equipment (eGSE) charging infrastructure at Terminals 2 and 4. The new charging infrastructure will support the growing number of electric-powered vehicles and equipment used by airlines and airport partners to service aircraft on the ground, reducing reliance on conventional fuel-powered equipment and lowering associated emissions.

“This latest investment by the FAA is a tremendous vote of confidence in the work we are doing to build a more sustainable Ontario International Airport,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Three VALE grants in three years represents meaningful progress, and this latest award will allow us and our airline partners to continue reducing emissions while investing in the infrastructure ONT will need for the future.”

The FAA’s VALE program helps commercial airports meet air-quality goals by funding projects designed to reduce airport emissions. ONT’s latest grant follows previous VALE funding for ground power unit (GPU) and pre-conditioned air (PCAir) projects.

Together, the projects reduce the need for aircraft and ground equipment to operate on conventional fuel while parked at the terminal, helping create cleaner and more efficient airport operations.

The latest grant represents the federal government’s full 75% eligible share of the eGSE charging project. A competitive procurement process also produced a winning bid substantially below the airport’s original project estimate, further reducing the local funding required to complete the improvements.

“This is exactly the kind of strategic partnership that allows us to make significant infrastructure improvements while being responsible stewards of airport resources,” Elkadi said. “We are grateful to the FAA for its continued partnership and to the many members of our team, consultants and airline partners who worked together to secure this funding.”

The eGSE charging project is part of ONT’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes investments in low- and zero-emission vehicles, energy-efficient infrastructure and other initiatives aimed at reducing the airport’s environmental footprint as passenger traffic continues to grow.

Ontario International Airport serves more than 7 million passengers annually and provides nonstop service to two dozen major airports across the United States, Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. The airport is owned and operated by the Ontario International Airport Authority, a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Electric Ground Support Equipment Is Better for Airports

Airports are increasingly replacing gas- and diesel-powered ground support equipment with electric alternatives, and the benefits go well beyond reducing emissions.

Electric ground support equipment produces no tailpipe pollution while operating, improving air quality around terminals and reducing workers’ exposure to exhaust fumes. It also operates much more quietly than conventional equipment, creating a less noisy and more comfortable working environment for airport employees.

The climate benefits are significant as well. Replacing fossil-fuel-powered equipment with electric models can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when the electricity comes from renewable or low-carbon sources. As airports work to reduce their environmental footprints, electrification provides a practical way to tackle emissions from everyday operations.

A 2026 study published in Nature Communications said aviation accounts for approximately 7–8% of global oil consumption and about 2–3% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions. While aircraft produce the majority of aviation-related emissions, airport operations contribute an estimated 2–10% of total aviation emissions. Because these emissions are concentrated around airports, which are often located near population centers, they can have a significant impact on local air quality and public health. This makes airports an important target for focused emissions-reduction efforts.

Electric equipment can also reduce operating costs. Electricity is generally less expensive than gasoline or diesel on an energy-equivalent basis, while electric drivetrains require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts and no engine oil, exhaust system or other conventional powertrain components.

With airports investing in charging infrastructure, electric ground support equipment is becoming an increasingly practical solution. It is cleaner, quieter and potentially less expensive to operate, making electrification a win for airport workers, airlines and the environment.