German apron bus manufacturer COBUS has deployed its vehicles to 350 airports in 115 countries. Airside speaks with managing director Patricia Vasconcelos about the company’s upcoming projects.
Vilnius Airport in Lithuania recently opted to replace its diesel airside buses with a fully electric COBUS fleet. Are you seeing an increase in customers opting for electric vehicles?
Projects like the transition at Vilnius Airport reflect a broader shift toward decarbonised, primarily electrically powered GSE, including airside buses, across airports worldwide.
The aviation sector has a significant responsibility in the global climate effort, with clear targets to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. Decarbonising ground operations is one of the areas where airports can make an immediate and measurable impact.
Electric apron buses provide reliable, zero-emission operation while also lowering maintenance and operating costs, making them a practical solution that aligns sustainability ambitions with operational efficiency.
How do you support customers with diesel-to-electric conversion solutions?
With our concept e.START, we are offering a solution to our customers that meets today’s operational demands but prepares for the future’s challenges at the same time. We understand that many airports are looking to modernise their fleets without replacing them completely. That is why we offer tailored solutions to convert diesel COBUS buses into fully electric vehicles.
These conversions extend the service life of existing buses, while significantly reducing emissions. By providing flexible upgrade options, we help operators balance sustainability, operational efficiency, and budget considerations. Our approach ensures that our customers can take a practical, cost-effective step toward net-zero ground operations.
COBUS (Credit: COBUS)
Can you share details about any innovations that COBUS is currently working on?
A key area of development is the intelligent use of AI and data analytics to optimise vehicle performance, reduce downtime, and lower operating costs. At the same time, we are expanding our customer services, including advanced training programs and tailored support packages.
Could automation one day be an area of interest for COBUS?
Automation has a significant potential to enhance efficiency and safety in specific airport operations. COBUS is closely monitoring the developments in autonomous airside operation, and we remain in active dialogue with selected airports and sub-suppliers to understand future requirements and the potential integration of relevant software and hardware.
What are your main focuses for 2026?
With more than 5,000 vehicles deployed globally, COBUS has a presence across a wide range of regions. We continue to see strong interest from airports looking to electrify or modernise their ground operations.
This year, we are focusing on supporting airports, airlines and ground handlers in leveraging the benefits of our electrically driven COBUS VEGA, which offers significant advantages in passenger service, total cost of ownership, autonomy, and operational efficiency.
We are also placing great emphasis on after-sales support and smart fleet management to minimise downtime, and we are exploring solutions to help customers reduce costs while improving operational efficiency.
