The BEN, created by the Centre for Engineering and Product Development (CEiiA), has been selected by Lufthansa Ground Services Portugal to support aircraft handling and passenger assistance at Lisbon and Porto airports. Trial operations are scheduled to begin in September, with full deployment expected in 2027.

The agreement represents the first time a company within the Lufthansa Group has adopted the Portuguese-designed vehicle, bringing national innovation into one of Europe’s largest aviation networks.

Designed specifically for environments where manoeuvrability is essential, the BEN measures around 2.5 metres in length, accommodates up to three occupants and offers between 100 and 400 litres of cargo space. The fully electric vehicle has already received European Union homologation, allowing it to operate across all EU member states.

Beyond its zero-emission drivetrain, the vehicle features digital technology capable of monitoring carbon emissions avoided during operation in real time. Lufthansa Ground Services Portugal also plans to integrate CEiiA’s AYR platform to help improve the environmental performance of its airport operations.

The partnership also includes a social responsibility component. Carbon credits generated through the use of the BEN will support Help Alliance Portugal, the Lufthansa Group’s charitable organisation, helping fund projects focused on education, social inclusion and opportunities for vulnerable communities. The Portuguese branch will become the organisation’s first association established outside Germany.

Lufthansa Ground Services Portugal, which employs more than 360 people and provides operational support to airports worldwide from its Porto headquarters, says the introduction of the BEN forms part of its wider strategy to improve efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of ground handling services.