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AirAsia Philippines deployed combined air-conditioning and ground power units at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reducing ground-level fuel consumption and carbon emissions
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The two Combo Units are projected to cut ground emissions by up to 90% and save around 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually
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The equipment supplies electrical and air-cooling power while aircraft are parked, minimizing reliance on the auxiliary power unit, which burns jet fuel
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AirAsia Philippines is the second in the AirAsia Aviation Group, after Malaysia, to roll out the technology
AirAsia Philippines deployed two Combo Units (combined air-conditioning and ground power units) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as part of the airline’s drive to decarbonize operations and promote sustainable aviation.
The Combo Units integrate air-conditioning and ground power systems to provide cooling and electrical supply to parked aircraft. The technology eliminates the need to run the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit, which consumes jet fuel and emits carbon.
By adopting the Combo Units, AirAsia Philippines expects to reduce ground-level emissions by up to 90% and achieve an estimated 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ savings annually. In addition to improving fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, the units help lower air and noise pollution on the ramp, creating safer, quieter working conditions for ground crews and baggage handlers.
The airline is the second carrier within the AirAsia Aviation Group to deploy the technology after a successful rollout in Malaysia, supporting the group’s regional strategy for lower-carbon ground operations.
“Our efforts to reduce emissions go hand in hand with improving the travel experience of our guests,” Capt. Suresh Bangah, CEO of AirAsia Philippines, said in a statement.
“The Combo Units not only lower our fuel consumption and carbon footprint but also ensure our guests remain comfortable while the aircraft is at the ramp, ready for their purposeful journey,” he added.
AirAsia Philippines’ broader fuel efficiency program saved 3,851 tonnes of fuel and avoided 12,169 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2024. These initiatives brought the carrier’s carbon intensity down to 73.9 grams of CO₂ per available seat kilometer and 82.8 grams per revenue passenger kilometer.
Beyond emissions reduction, the carrier is also advancing its Cabin Waste Management Program, diverting 37% of in-flight waste from landfills last year. Its in-flight food and beverage partner, Santan Philippines, plans to transition from single-use plastics to compostable polylactic acid packaging by October 2026.
AirAsia’s environmental efforts have earned international recognition. The airline was named one of the top three sustainable low-cost carriers in AirlineRatings.com’s inaugural Sustainability Awards, and achieved a perfect 10/10 rating in 42kft.com’s environmental audit, ranking among 25 top-performing global carriers.
Operating across five markets within the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, AirAsia currently serves 10 domestic and 9 international routes from the Philippines. The airline continues to expand its green initiatives as part of its long-term commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.
