The flag carrier will gradually replace all its vehicles, including vans, cars and cargo transporters, with hybrid or electric models, where available.

It will also adopt hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) – a fossil-free alternative to diesel – for more than 750 pieces of ground equipment, from aircraft deicing vehicles to baggage loading equipment.

Replacing all diesel passenger aircraft steps with electric alternatives, introducing 135 new electric tugs and phasing out its 38 diesel passenger buses are also part of the airline’s £7 billion investment.

“This major investment into our vehicles at Heathrow is our largest investment in more sustainable airport ground operations to date and is part of our wider environmental objective to minimise emissions from our airside ground operation,” said BA Heathrow director Tom Moran.

According to BA sustainability director Carrie Harris, the project will help inspire staff across the company to “play a part in minimising our environmental impact where possible”.

“Their energy, enthusiasm and innovative approach in bringing the project to life shows what can be achieved and this investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making improvements across our business that will benefit both our customers and colleagues,” Harris said.

Over the past few years, BA has improved its carbon footprint by introducing electric and hybrid cars on airside roadways as well as remote-controlled pushback vehicles.