Viggo operates fully electric tow tractor for widebody aircraft
Ground handler Viggo has commissioned the first all-electric towing tractor for widebody aircraft at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. With the Goldhofer AST-2 E towing tractor, Viggo can now move large aircraft in a sustainable way. In spring 2024, Viggo expects to welcome a second AST-2 E to arrive at Schiphol Airport.
Since 2021, Viggo has been driving towing Schiphol Transavia's Boeing 737s, among others, with a 100 per cent electric-powered pushback fleet. The company is now able to move widebody aircraft with its new towing tractor.
Image by Viggo
With the commissioning of the Goldhofer AST-2 E, types such as the Boeing 767 and 787 Dreamliner, can now also be pushed or towed from the gate in a sustainable manner.
Besides reducing direct emissions during towing and pushback movements, the 100% electric tow tractor also saves fuel and reduces emissions from the APU (aircraft's built-in auxiliary engine) during towing movements. The Goldhofer is equipped with an on-board GPU (Ground Power Unit) that powers the aircraft and ensures that the aircraft no longer needs to use the APU.
