California FBO Steps Up Its Green Game

Luxivair SBD, the airport-owned FBO at California’s San Bernardino International Airport, has taken strides to reduce its carbon footprint, the latest coming from the addition of zero- and low-emissions vehicles and ground support equipment.

They include electric aircraft tugs and a propane-powered forklift, in addition to new 10,000-gallon fuel trucks which adhere to Tier 4, the latest emission milestone established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Besides standard rental cars, Luxivair is also the first FBO in the world to offer the new hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota Mirai, through a partnership with local operator StratosShare, which offers an app-based rental platform. Customers can rent zero-emission Mirais for as little as an hour to several days, refueling at one of several compressed hydrogen filling stations in the Southern California area and returning them to their airport base.

“We wanted to provide our customers with an alternative to traditional rental cars," said Wendy Bechtel, the service provider’s manager. “Like the FBO, the Mirai is futuristic, environmentally responsible, and exclusive."