Air India deployed a TaxiBot in October 2019 to operate a commercial flight with passengers on board, marking it the first in the world.
In order to begin TaxiBot operations for its Airbus A320 family of aircraft in the airports of Delhi and Bengaluru, Air India has inked a contract with KSU Aviation.
Air India Taxibot
The strategic alliance supports Air India’s goal of lowering its carbon footprint. As the use of TaxiBots might result in a reduction in fuel usage of almost 15,000 tonnes over the course of three years.
The TaxiBot functions as an addition to the plane’s nose landing gear after it is fastened to the aircraft. It is used to tow aircraft from the airport terminal gate to the taxi-out point without using the aircraft’s engines. Further tow aircraft to the terminal gate after landing (taxi-in phase).
This conserves jet fuel. Subsequently, the apparatus reduces noise levels, carbon emissions, and fuel usage. Further, the machinery reduces airline costs, noise levels, carbon emissions, and fuel consumption.
Executive Insights
Air India’s CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, stated, “As a responsible airline, Air India is continually seeking ways to improve sustainability and manage our carbon impact.”
Campbell further added, “We’re committed to lowering emissions and fuel usage. Subsequently, the use of TaxiBots is just one more illustration of this. By working with KSU, we will be able to evaluate TaxiBots’ capabilities more thoroughly. This could result in a wider deployment at airports and among Air India’s affiliates.”
Dr Ashwani Khanna, director of KSU Aviation Private Limited, said, “The formal introduction of TaxiBot as a part of Air India’s targeted attempt to reduce its carbon footprint has us quite excited.”
“Air India is undertaking a significant transition and has included sustainable practices in this process. Further, we are dedicated to collaborating with like-minded organizations, such as Air India, in order to take advantage of contemporary technologies to reduce carbon footprint and hasten the pursuit of reaching net zero,” added Dr Khanna.
In an industry first, AI flew a commercial trip with passengers in an Airbus A320 with a TaxiBot.
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