Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has launched semi-robotic electric TaxiBots to tow commercial aircraft between the gate and runway, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by around 299kg per flight.
Following successful trials earlier this year, easyJet and the airport have announced that four easyJet Airbus A320neo aircraft will be fitted with TaxiBot systems.
Developed by sustainable aviation solutions provider Smart Airport Systems in collaboration with aviation services firm Menzies Aviation, TaxiBot is a semi-robotic towing tug that enables aircraft to taxi between the gate and runway without using their main jet engines.
Operating at speeds of up to 23 knots (42km/h), a pilot controls the TaxiBot from the cockpit and only starts the aircraft engines just before departure on the runway. During this process, the aircraft operates using only its auxiliary power unit, significantly reducing fuel burn, emissions and noise during ground operations. Once uncoupled, an airport employee will then get...