OREANDA-NEWS. Denver International Airport's (DIA) fleet operation has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Fleets in North America. Currently in its tenth year, the annual ranking of the Top 100 Fleets recognizes and rewards peak performing fleet operations in North America and encourages performance improvements within the fleet industry.

“In 2013, Denver International Airport's Fleet Management Section worked on numerous projects to improve our efficiency, customer service, financial management and environmental leadership,” said Denver's Deputy Manager of Aviation for Airport Infrastructure Management, Dave LaPorte. “Our Fleet Management Section employees embrace quality and efficiency in everything they do and we are very proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Fleets in North America.”

DIA's fleet includes approximately 1,750 different vehicles and equipment ranging from large snow removal vehicles, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles, forklifts, cranes and light duty vehicles to smaller equipment such as concrete saws.

Approximately 29 percent of DIA's vehicle fleet is powered with alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and DIA's fleet management division currently provides CNG testing services to about 300 vehicles operated by tenant airlines. In December 2013, DIA was one of 29 large fleet owners that committed to accelerating deployment of natural gas vehicles and fueling infrastructure in Colorado by signing a Memorandum of Understanding during the Colorado Governor's Natural Gas Vehicle Summit.

In 2013, DIA also obtained a Regional Air Quality Council grant which allowed the airport to remanufacture three loaders more than 10 years in age. By rebuilding the equipment, DIA was able to extend the life of the vehicles and save approximately USD 158,000 in upgrade costs without sacrificing quality.