Crossposted from Plane Talk

King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) showcased its electrification and innovation efforts last month as host of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Consortium on Transformation’s (ACT) first Innovation Engagement of 2026. More than 30 people gathered at the airport to learn and share information about environmental sustainability. Leaders from Fleet Services, the airport and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division spoke to attendees about electrification efforts.

“KCIA and our tenants continue to lead the industry in innovation and electrification,” said John Parrott, airport director.

The event included a tour of the new UPS facility, the second UPS location to have caster floors. These floors help UPS workers move cargo containers in any direction. Live equipment demonstrations included Modern Aviation’s electric tug along with the airport’s battery-electric sweeper, hybrid fire engine and other equipment.

KCIA was the first airport in the nation to deploy a battery-electric sweeper. In addition, KCIA was also first in the nation to take delivery of a hybrid electric airport fire engine, a Striker Volterra. Over the next few years, the airport will continue to electrify more of its ground vehicle fleet.

“King County International Airport is one of 61 airports participating in our Innovation Consortium, an initiative focused on advancing new technologies and educating airports on their practical application,” said Jeremy Valcich, Director of Innovation Programs at AAAE. “We greatly appreciate the team for highlighting their electric vehicle fleet, offering a scalable example that can inspire airports nationwide as they explore pathways toward more sustainable operations.”

Learn more about environmental efforts at the airport.

Pictured top: Innovation Engagement attendees stand in front of the airport’s hybrid electric fire truck, which replaced the airport’s oldest diesel-only fire truck.

Pictured below: On left, event participants on a tour of UPS’ Seattle sorting facility check out the caster floor. UPS has cut the use of fossil-fueled tugs by more than 50 percent, thanks in part to these new caster floors inside the sort facility and outside on the ramp. On right, One of Modern Aviation’s electric tugs.