Sustainable taxiing
Local environmental quality
Aircraft do not only use fuel in the air. Before take-off, they need to reach the runway. With the TaxiBot, Stargate tested whether that journey could be quieter, cleaner and use less fuel.
Travelling between the gate and the runway usually means using the aircraft’s own engines. The TaxiBot offers another way to move on the ground. This biodiesel-powered or electric vehicle tows aircraft while pilots remain in control. Together with TUI and ground handler Aviapartner, Brussels Airport tested the TaxiBot in real operations.
The trials showed that reducing engine use during taxiing can significantly reduce noise and ultrafine particle emissions. Modelling done by aviation consultancy To70 also showed where the TaxiBot can make the biggest impact. Factors such as airport size and layout, traffic flows and operational processes all influence its effectiveness.