KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has conducted the first passenger flight that was towed to the runway for takeoff by a TaxiBot.
The flight, operated with a Boeing 737, took place on December 10 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Over the next few years, the use of TaxiBots is expected to expand, initially focusing on narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A321neo and Embraer planes. However, this initiative will require significant infrastructure changes and training for pilots to operate the equipment.
The TaxiBot, similar in appearance to a towing car, is controlled by the pilot during ground movement, while the tractor driver does not control it. At the runway, the connection is disengaged, and the aircraft’s engines are started, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The TaxiBot operates on electricity and fossil fuel, with a future goal of being entirely electric.
This initiative was made possible through a collaboration between Schiphol Airport, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LVNL, Transavia Airlines, TUI, Swissport, easyJet, Menzies, VIGGO, dnata, and KLM Ground Services.
