Sustainable taxiing at Schiphol: trial in 2022
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is investigating how sustainable taxiing can be introduced at the airport. The airport works closely with Air Traffic Control (LVNL), KLM, Transavia, Corendon and ground handlers dnata and KLM Ground Services.
Sustainable taxiing involves towing an aircraft to and from the runway using a special aircraft tractor, the Taxibot. TravelPro reports that this allows an aircraft to taxi without using its engines, consuming less kerosine. Schiphol needs sustainable taxiing to achieve the goal of being an emission-free airport by 2030.
Sustainable taxiing Schiphol
Schiphol estimates that 'sustainable taxiing' saves 50-65% on fuel compared to the usual taxi process. In addition, local emissions, such as (ultra)fine dust and noise, will be significantly reduced. The emission of carbon and nitrogen oxides (CO2 and NOx) also add up to 50-65%.
2022 will be an important year in the development of sustainable taxiing. In mid-2022, two towing vehicles will be put into operation at Schiphol for a follow-up trial, following a pilot project in 2020. If successful, sustainable taxiing will become a standard process in which aircraft can taxi to and from the Polderbaan sustainably.
