TaxiBot is a semi-robotic, electric aircraft towing system that enables aircraft to taxi between the gate and runway without using their main engines, reducing fuel burn, emissions and noise during ground movements.
The deployment follows a successful trial earlier this year, with easyJet now introducing the vehicles on three more of its Airbus A320neo aircraft operating at Schiphol – the first airport in Europe to deploy electric TaxiBot for Airbus operations. TaxiBot is expected to save an average of 95kg of fuel and 299kg of CO₂ per flight, while also reducing noise on the apron.
By reducing jet engine use during taxiing, TaxiBot lowers fuel consumption and emissions, while also reducing noise and improving air quality on the apron – an important factor for both environmental performance and the wellbeing of employees working on the ground. At scale, TaxiBot has the potential to reduce fuel consumption during taxiing by up to 65%, while also significantly lowering CO₂, NOx and ultrafine particle emissions.
As a key ground handling partner at AMS, Menzies Aviation is responsible for integrating TaxiBot into live ramp operations, including operating TaxiBot vehicles, training employees and coordinating ground movements to support safe and efficient turnaround activity.
Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, EVP Europe, Menzies Aviation, said: “The deployment of TaxiBot at Schiphol illustrates our capability to collaborate with partners to implement new technology in day-to-day ground operations. At Menzies, we’re focused on delivering solutions that improve efficiency, enhance safety and reduce emissions. Working closely with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and easyJet, we’re embedding TaxiBot into everyday operations to help create a cleaner, healthier environment for our teams on the ground and ultimately support everyone’s net-zero ambitions”
Find out more: http://www.menziesaviation.com
Click here for more Aerospace news: https://designsolutionsmag.co.uk/category/military-aerospace-defence/
