Monday, July 7, 2025
The Netherlands is marking its path towards sustainable aviation in significant strides by being one of the initial countries in the globe applying Airbus’s newly certified Taxibot system—a fuel-saving, creative towing solution specially designed to reduce the emission of airplanes during ground movement. Headed by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, this environment-friendly hybrid vehicle will propel single-aisle airplanes to taxi the jet engine, thus potentially lowering fuel consumption by 50%. After several years of tough tests, Airbus has now certified the Taxibot and it will now be introduced in major international airports, including Indira Gandhi International in India. By availing it earlier, the Netherlands has demonstrated itself as the trendsetter in green airport operations as it joins the international fray in minimizing noise pollution, capping CO₂ emission, and promoting greater cost effectiveness in aviation ground handling.
Airbus Certifies Fuel-Efficient Taxibot System for Single-Aisle Aircraft in Step Toward Greener Airport Operations
Airbus has officially certified a new ground movement technology, Taxibot, for its single-aisle aircraft fleet. Developed as part of Europe’s SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) initiative, this semi-autonomous towing system is designed to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve sustainability in airport operations. The certification marks a significant advancement in Airbus’s efforts to make commercial aviation more efficient and environmentally responsible, especially during taxi operations on the ground.
Part of the HERON Sub-Project Under SESAR
The Taxibot project is being carried out under a SESAR sub-program known as HERON—short for Highly Efficient gReen OperatioNs. HERON focuses on solutions that support environmentally sustainable air transport through the digitization and modernization of air traffic and ground procedures. One of HERON’s primary goals is to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions during the taxi phase of flight, which accounts for a notable share of fuel use at busy airports.
In line with these goals, Taxibot provides a method for aircraft to move between the terminal gate and runway without using their main jet engines. Instead, the aircraft is towed by a specially designed hybrid-powered vehicle that connects to the aircraft’s nose wheel. This not only reduces fuel usage but also contributes to quieter and less polluted ground environments.
How Taxibot Works
The Taxibot system is engineered to function as an intelligent towing unit. A trained ground operator first positions the Taxibot and connects it to the aircraft’s nose gear. After successful attachment, control of the vehicle is handed over to the aircraft’s pilot, who operates the Taxibot using standard cockpit controls—similar to how pilots steer the aircraft during conventional taxiing.
The pilot guides the plane to the runway threshold using the Taxibot, without starting the engines. Once the aircraft is ready for departure, the pilot disengages the system, and the Taxibot detaches and returns to its staging area. This system ensures seamless integration with normal pilot operations while offering significant efficiency gains.
Fuel and Emissions Savings on the Ground
According to Airbus, using the Taxibot can reduce fuel consumption on the ground by up to 50%. Aircraft typically spend a substantial amount of time idling or taxiing before takeoff, especially at congested airports. By replacing engine-powered movement with a low-emission towing vehicle, airlines can cut operating costs, reduce maintenance needs due to less engine usage, and contribute to broader environmental goals.
The reduction in jet engine use also minimizes noise pollution, which is a growing concern at major international airports located near urban areas. Furthermore, reduced ground emissions help airports comply with tightening environmental regulations and carbon-neutrality goals.
Long-Term Development and Certification
Although the concept of the Taxibot has been under testing for several years, including demonstrations and limited trials at various international airports, Airbus only recently completed the rigorous testing and evaluation process required for formal certification. The certification now enables its use on Airbus single-aisle aircraft such as the A320 family, which are among the most widely used aircraft globally in short- and medium-haul routes.
The certification process included assessments of aircraft systems integration, safety checks, operational efficiency, and environmental performance. This approval marks a significant step in bringing the technology into broader commercial use.
Airports Already Testing the System
Several major airports have already been involved in testing or evaluating the Taxibot system. Among them are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Brussels Airport, and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. These airports have been instrumental in validating the Taxibot under real-world operational conditions, showcasing its feasibility in diverse environments and climates.
Plans for Future Expansion
The company behind the Taxibot is currently working on an all-electric version of the towing unit, expected to be introduced in 2026. This upcoming model aims to eliminate even the emissions from the current hybrid design, taking the system one step closer to zero-emission ground operations. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop a version capable of towing widebody aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777, which would expand the system’s applicability to long-haul and intercontinental routes.
A Path Toward Greener Aviation
Airports and airlines are under increasing pressure to adopt cleaner technologies as the aviation sector faces scrutiny over its environmental impact. Innovations like the Taxibot play a critical role in this transformation. By reducing reliance on fuel-intensive engine taxiing, improving operational efficiency, and aligning with global sustainability targets, the Taxibot positions itself as a forward-thinking solution for modern air travel.
The Netherlands is leading the charge in airport innovation for sustainability as Schiphol becomes one of the very first airport hubs to trial Airbus’s certified Taxibot, low-emission, fuel-saving single-aisle airplane towing system. This innovation has the potential to decrease fuel burned during taxis by as much as 50%, creating a new standard in ground operations eco-efficiency.
With Airbus’s recent certification and growing airport interest, the technology is poised to become a mainstream component of ground handling and aircraft movement procedures in the coming years.
«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»
