Air India Becomes First Airline Globally to Use 'Taxibot' on Airbus Flight
Using this device, it is possible to tow the aircraft from parking bays to the runway with their engines switched off. These TaxiBots will be used for departing flights only. The step is taken by the airline to curb carbon emission, which will result in improving air quality and accelerate a greener aviation eco-system.
New Delhi, October 15: Air India scripted history on Tuesday by becoming the first airline in the world to use a TaxiBot on an Airbus A320 aircraft operating a commercial flight with passengers onboard. A TaxiBot (Taxiing Robot), is a pilot-controlled semi-robotic towbar-less aircraft tractor used as alternate taxiing equipment. Air India Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Ashwani Lohani flagged off AI665 from Delhi to Mumbai at Terminal 3 today. Air India Crises: 120 Airbus A-320 Pilots Tender Resignation After Salary Hike Denied.
Using this device, it is possible to tow the aircraft from parking bays to the runway with their engines switched off. These TaxiBots will be used for departing flights only. The step is taken by the airline to curb carbon emission, which will result in improving air quality and accelerate a greener aviation eco-system. Air India to be Sold to Private Firms by End of FY 2019-20; Here Are Other Debt-Ridden Firms on Modi Government's Selling List.
Further, usage of TaxiBots will significantly bring down the consumption of fuel by as much as 85 per cent used during taxiing of aircraft. The TaxiBots would also help in decongesting boarding gates and apron area by providing efficient pushbacks.