Long Beach Airport Expands Sustainability Efforts

Long Beach Airport Expands Sustainability Efforts

"Long Beach Airport continues to explore opportunities to make its operations more sustainable," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "These investments are part of our ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts and support a more sustainable future."

LGB replaced six fossil-fueled vehicles with all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup trucks, which will support a wide range of airfield and operational activities and further reduce emissions from daily airport functions. Complementing the new fleet, LGB has installed movable solar charging trees that will provide renewable energy to charge the electric pickup trucks. The freestanding solar trees are designed to generate power without relying on the traditional energy grid, providing vehicle charging capability and further reducing LGB's carbon footprint while advancing energy independence.

"These investments represent an important step forward in reducing our environmental impact while increasing our commitment to being good neighbors within the community," said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. "By integrating zero-emission vehicles with innovative solar charging solutions, Long Beach Airport is demonstrating how sustainability and operational excellence can go hand in hand."

The grant funding for the vehicles and solar trees was awarded in September 2024 through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2024 Airport Zero Emissions Vehicle and Infrastructure Pilot Program. The remaining portion of the cost was covered by $72,803 in Airport revenue. Long Beach Airport has set a goal of becoming a carbon-neutral facility by 2045. To that end, LGB reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 56% between 2016 and 2024, surpassing its original climate goals of 20% reduction by 2025 and 40% by 2030. The Airport also recently renewed its Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) from Airports Council Internation for the sixth consecutive year, maintaining its status as one of 75 U.S. airports to receive an accreditation.

LGB has made a number of strides in sustainability, including embarking on a voluntary emissions reduction program with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and fully electrifying all 11 commercial gates for ground service equipment. LGB also incentivizes the purchase of cleaner, unleaded aviation fuel (UL94) for general aviation users and supports Atlantic Aviation's program to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for business jets. In 2024, two solar canopy installations covering nearly 133,000 square feet on LGB's parking structures were installed, bringing down Airport-controlled and purchased electricity usage by 10% compared to the year prior.

Officially trademarked as america's coolest airport™, LGB provides a distinctively stress-free travel experience and first-class service, conveniently located between Los Angeles and Orange counties. Ranked second in the nation by The Washington Post, LGB is a favorite among travelers for its easygoing atmosphere. The Airport currently offers nonstop service to 20 destinations and one-stop connections to more than 400 cities worldwide via Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska + Hawaiian Airlines. Learn more at lgb.org.