Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced an electric towing car at Naha Airport, the first among domestic airlines to do so.
The model introduced is a TLD-made electric towing car, capable of about 23 pushbacks or approximately 8 tows on a full charge. It has a global delivery record of 43 units. Compared to traditional diesel engine vehicles, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions to zero and decreases noise levels by about 15%.
While electric towing tractors for propeller aircraft in cargo applications have previously been adopted, towing larger aircraft requires significantly more electric power, making the establishment of charging facilities a challenge.
