A scheduled KLM flight has been towed to the runway at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, using an automated TaxiBot, as opposed to a traditional tug.
Using the TaxiBot enabled the aircraft to reach the runway with its engines off. Thus, cutting down on noise and carbon emissions.
AirlineGeeks reports that TaxiBot towed the KLM aircraft from its parking site to Schiphol’s Polderbaan runway, for departure.
Reaching this runway entails a lengthy taxi time for aircraft and thus uses more fuel.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Using the TaxiBot presents a number of advantages for airlines, airports and the environment.
In using the TaxiBot, the aircraft’s engines could stay off until departure, helping it to use less fuel.
Therefore also improving air quality and reducing noise on the apron.
The use of the pilot-controlled aircraft towing equipment could indeed result in fuel savings at Schiphol Airport.
SUSTAINABLE TAXIING AT SCHIPHOL AIRPORT
In 2021, Schiphol Airport and several partners set a goal to make sustainable taxiing a standard procedure at the airport by 2030.
However, the airport said in a media release in 2021, that adjustments to infrastructure, processes, and technology would be needed to achieve this.
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SCHIPHOL AIRPORT TAXIBOT
The TaxiBot, operated by Smart Airport Systems and developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, enables aircraft to keep engines off for most of their taxiing.
In 2020, Schiphol Airport conducted a TaxiBot pilot study, simulating a narrow-body aircraft being taken to and from the runway by a semi-robotic aircraft towing vehicle – known as the TaxiBot.
In fact, the aircraft pilot operates the TaxiBot, as opposed to a tug driver.
TAXIBOT BENEFITS
This more sustainable way of taxiing is set to benefit the Amsterdam airport hub, which is trying to mitigate noise and air pollution.
The Netherlands’ minister of infrastructure and water management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, praised the Taxibot project.
“It’s great that the Taxibot tests have shown that the aviation sector can use significantly less kerosene during taxiing and therefore reduce emissions,” van Nieuwenhuizen said.
This use of the TaxiBot could indeed result in significant fuel savings – depending on which runway aircraft use.
“Fuel savings can be as high as 65% when an aircraft is taxiing to the Polderbaan – the runway with the longest taxi time.” Schiphol Airport said.
