- Fortbrand Services will manage the common-use, all-electric ground support fleet at JFK’s future Terminal 6, a first for North America.
- The initiative supports the Port Authority’s net-zero emissions roadmap, expected to cut 2,500 metric tons of CO₂ annually.
- The $4.2 billion Terminal 6 will feature sustainable design, advanced technology, and seamless connectivity when it opens in phases from 2026.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the consortium leading the $4.2 billion Terminal 6 (T6) project, have partnered with Long Island-based Fortbrand Services LLC to operate and manage the terminal’s ground support equipment. JFK will be the first airport in North America to deploy a pooled fleet of all-electric ground support equipment (e-GSE), representing a milestone in aviation sustainability and efficiency.
Cutting Emissions, Boosting Efficiency
The new all-electric ground support system will replace diesel-powered equipment with shared electric units, cutting approximately 2,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually—equal to the emissions from driving a gasoline car six million miles. Unlike the traditional U.S. model where each airline contracts its own ground-handling fleet, the common-use setup will reduce duplication, congestion, and unnecessary emissions. Each of T6’s 10 gates will be equipped with e-GSE, accessible to multiple airlines.
Smart Management and Operations
To ensure maximum safety and performance, JMP and Fortbrand will track the fleet in real time using telematics software. The system will monitor GPS location, battery life, speed controls, driver authorization, and maintenance needs. Both on-site and remote charging stations will keep the fleet powered, while centralized monitoring will streamline compliance and safety.
Commitment to Net-Zero Goals
The Port Authority has committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all operations by 2050, with milestones including the transition of all commercially available ground service equipment to zero-emission models by 2030. To date, more than 1,500 e-GSE units have been deployed across JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. With Terminal 6 and the upcoming New Terminal One, both opening in 2026, that number is set to grow significantly.
Leadership Perspectives
Port Authority leaders hailed the initiative as a major step in their decarbonization strategy. Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasized the agency’s leadership in reducing aviation emissions, while Chairman Kevin O’Toole highlighted the importance of pairing world-class terminals with sustainable practices. JMP executives Steve Thody and Karen Ali described the project as a “game changer” for ground operations, eliminating inefficiencies while aligning with sustainability goals. Fortbrand CEO Jared Verano expressed pride in supporting New York’s airports with innovative equipment and fleet services.
Sustainability Beyond Ground Support
Terminal 6 will feature more than 4,000 rooftop solar panels, high-efficiency building systems, stormwater capture and reuse, and a 90 percent recycling rate for construction materials. These measures support JMP’s ambition to achieve LEED and ENVISION Gold certifications, benchmarks for sustainable infrastructure.
Transforming JFK into a Global Gateway
Terminal 6 is part of JFK’s $19 billion redevelopment program, combining $3.9 billion in Port Authority capital investment with more than $15 billion in private funding. The transformation includes the $9.5 billion New Terminal One, the $1.5 billion Terminal 4 expansion, and the $400 million Terminal 8 expansion.
About Terminal 6
Currently under construction, T6 will open in two phases: the first six gates in 2026, with completion by 2028. The terminal will offer:
- Ten gates, nine capable of handling widebody aircraft.
- A state-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs and border control facilities, and advanced TSA screening.
- One of JFK’s longest departure curbs with branded drop-off zones.
- Multiple airline lounges, including a new arrivals lounge.
- A ground transportation center and curated New York City-inspired art installations.
- Sustainable design, rooftop solar, energy-efficient systems, and materials aligned with LEED and ENVISION standards.
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Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
