PIT Partners With Edmonton to Advance Innovation, Sustainability Goals

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) have signed a five-year sister airport cooperation agreement strengthening the relationship between two industry leaders by enabling the exchange of ideas and insights on projects that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance passenger experience.

Both airports are recognized leaders in adopting forward-looking energy programs and sustainability initiatives. Officials say both airports will continue to explore new ideas, share strategies and advance initiatives that benefit travelers, airlines and the communities they serve.

In addition to operational collaboration, the agreement also promotes the advantages of doing business at both airports. By highlighting opportunities for airlines, cargo operators and commercial partners, the sister airport relationship will help expand economic development opportunities in both regions.

As the partnership evolves over the next five years, PIT and YEG will combine their expertise and shared ambition to turn knowledge into real-world solutions that benefit passengers, airlines, industry partners and the communities they serve, helping define the next generation of sustainable and innovative airports.

In Pittsburgh …

PIT has developed one of the most ambitious airport energy and sustainability programs in the U.S. Its strategy focuses on energy independence, resilience and innovation in aviation fuels and infrastructure.

PIT’s flagship energy project is its 23-megawatt microgrid that powers the entire airport campus. PIT is the world’s first major airport powered entirely by an on-site microgrid, which combines natural gas and solar power. The microgrid can operate independently of the main power grid, saving more than $1 million annually in electricity costs in its first year of operation alone.

PIT is also aggressively pursuing on-site sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production — a first-of-its-kind initiative for a major airport. The plan will make PIT one of the world’s first airports to produce SAF on-site.

As part of its SAF initiative, PIT is developing a strategy to develop hydrogen energy at the airport. Potential uses for hydrogen include aviation fuel and ground-vehicle fuel. This effort supports PIT’s goal of creating a multi-fuel clean energy ecosystem at the airport.

In Edmonton …

YEG is a leader in environmental and social sustainability with a commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting a cleaner environment.

YEG is a founding participant in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge, with a long-term commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through its Airport City Sustainability Campus, YEG is creating a hub for clean technology, research and sustainable aviation innovation.

YEG is advancing hydrogen adoption through the integration of hydrogen applications within its airport ecosystem. Most recently, YEG has retrofitted a hydrogen-powered snow sweeper for airfield winter maintenance, positioning itself among the first airports globally to explore dual-energy hydrogen applications in operational ground support equipment.

Alongside Air Canada, it also established in 2022 the world’s first sustainability agreement between an airline and an airport, focusing on environmental initiatives, including combatting the illegal wildlife trade.

YEG is also advancing the use of drones and advanced air mobility through a range of innovative programs. A falcon-shaped Robird drone supports the airport’s wildlife management program, while LiDAR-equipped drones conduct runway inspections. It also was the first Canadian airport to launch regularly scheduled drone delivery operations in controlled airspace, demonstrating how zero-emission drones can reduce vehicle traffic and emissions.

Beyond its operations, YEG is advancing Alberta’s clean energy ecosystem by supporting renewable energy and emerging technologies, including hydrogen development and solar energy. YEG has also contributed to advancing industry dialogue on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through a SAF White Paper exploring opportunities and barriers to deployment in Canada.