Schiphol tests world's first electric TaxiBot to take planes to runway, cut fuel use
This month, Schiphol Airport started using the world’s first electric TaxiBot, working with the airlines easyJet, Airbus, and Menzies. The TaxiBot transports Airbus A320 planes from the gate to the Polderbaan runway. According to the airport, electric taxiing can result in fuel savings up to 65 percent.
Lower kerosene use not only means lower costs, but also fewer emissions, the airport pointed out. “This reduction is important for the environment and, above all, better for employees on the ground. Lower emissions result in cleaner air and less noise on the apron, which directly contributes to a safer, healthier, and more pleasant workplace,” the airport said.
The new electric TaxiBot is an addition to the two hybrid TaxiBots Schiphol has been using with KLM since 2022. Schiphol plans to add three more electric TaxiBots to its fleet later this year and expand their use to other aircraft. “Schiphol is working on the certification for Embraer aircraft with KLM Cityhopper and other parties. Transavia will soon participate with their Boeing 737 fleet,” the airport said.
The TaxiBot is a special tug that pilots control from the cockpit to get the plane from the gate onto the runway. An airport employee sits in the vehicle to drive it back to the gate for the next flight after uncoupling. The TaxiBot works on the Polderbaan because it is the airport’s longest runway, and can therefore save the most fuel there.
