en.Wedoany.com Reported - Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has deployed a semi-robotic electric TaxiBot that tows commercial aircraft between gates and runways, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 299 kilograms per flight. EasyJet and the airport announced that four of easyJet's Airbus A320neo aircraft are equipped with the system, following successful trials earlier this year.
The TaxiBot was developed in collaboration between sustainable aviation solutions provider Smart Airport Systems and aviation services company Menzies Aviation. This semi-robotic tug allows aircraft to taxi on the ground without starting their main jet engines, relying only on the auxiliary power unit, thereby reducing fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, and noise. The TaxiBot operates at a maximum speed of 23 knots (42 km/h), and pilots control it from the cockpit, only starting the aircraft engines on the runway just before takeoff. After decoupling, airport staff drive the TaxiBot back to the gate to prepare for the next mission.
Schiphol Airport stated that the TaxiBot fleet will be deployed on the Polderbaan runway, which has the longest taxi times. Since the aircraft's main engines are shut down during the entire ground towing phase, easyJet estimates that each flight can save an average of 95 kilograms of fuel and 299 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. The airport also cited trial data indicating that large-scale deployment could reduce fuel consumption during taxiing by up to 65%, while significantly cutting emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ultrafine particles.
Esmé Valk, Chief People and Transformation Officer at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, said that by deploying the TaxiBot, the airport is taking a practical step to reduce apron emissions and noise, contributing to a healthier and cleaner workplace and driving the airport's sustainable and modern future. David Morgan, CEO of easyJet, noted that such initiatives demonstrate the potential of industry-wide innovation and collaboration to reduce the environmental impact of aviation both in the air and on the ground.
Schiphol Airport is the first in Europe to deploy electric TaxiBot technology for Airbus aircraft operations. The airport is currently planning to expand the system to more aircraft types, including the KLM Cityhopper and Boeing 737 fleets. The airport stated that this deployment is part of its goal to achieve zero emissions in airport operations by 2030.
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