AviationNews – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, in partnership with easyJet, has officially commenced operations with the world’s first electric TaxiBot designed for Airbus aircraft, marking a significant milestone in sustainable ground operations.
The initiative represents a strategic collaboration between Schiphol, easyJet, Airbus, and ground-handling firm Menzies. Following a successful trial earlier this year, the electric vehicle began active service this May, specifically supporting easyJet’s Airbus A320neo fleet. The project is being deployed on the airport’s Polderbaan runway—known for its long taxi times—to maximize the environmental benefits of the new technology.
The TaxiBot is a semi-robotic, towbarless tractor that allows an aircraft to move from the gate to the runway without engaging its main jet engines. During the taxiing phase, the pilot maintains full control of the aircraft from the cockpit, while the TaxiBot provides the necessary propulsion. By relying on the aircraft’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) instead of main engines during this phase, airlines can achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 65% on the Polderbaan route, significantly lowering CO2, nitrogen oxide (NOx), and ultrafine particle emissions.
“TaxiBot is another important step in our mission to operate as efficiently as possible,” said David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet. “This technology delivers immediate reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise, while supporting more efficient ground operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports.”
The successful integration of this electric unit serves as a critical proof-of-concept for the industry. As Schiphol prepares to scale the program with three additional electric TaxiBots expected later this year, the airport aims to expand the technology to a wider range of aircraft types, including those operated by Transavia and KLM Cityhopper. This deployment reinforces Schiphol’s goal of achieving zero-emission ground operations by 2030.
