Delhi Airport Has Bot A New Idea: Now, Semi-Robotic Tow Trucks To Help Airlines Save Fuel

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi will become the first in the country to employ TaxiBots (semi-robotic tow trucks) to help airlines reduce the use of Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) during taxiing, reports The Hindu.

Airline operators such as SpiceJet and Jet Airways will carry out real-time tests with TaxiBots, following which the aviation regulator, DGCA, will give the nod to use them.

TaxiBot India has introduced two semi-robotic tow trucks to IGI, which have since undergone several trials.

The firm will sign commercial contracts with SpiceJet and Jet Airways, once the performance evaluation with passengers on board the aircraft is successful.

The company is also in talks with Mumbai and Bengaluru airports for introducing similar operations.

Planes taxi from the parking bay to the runway or vice-versa using their engines to provide thrust. However, an aircraft can be steered with both its engines off with the help of a TaxiBot, which lifts and holds the aircraft’s nose wheel and transports it from the terminal to runway and back.