Air India to launch TaxiBot operations at Delhi, Bengaluru Airport
Air India is set to introduce TaxiBot operations at Delhi and Bengaluru airports for its Airbus A320 family of aircraft. The TaxiBot is a semi-robotic device that functions as an extension of the aircraft's nose landing gear, enabling it to be towed from the airport gate to the taxi-out point and back without using the aircraft's engines. This results in significant fuel savings, lower carbon emissions, reduced noise levels, and cost savings for airlines.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, stated that the-
Airline is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and improving sustainability.
The TaxiBots' deployment is one example of this commitment, and the partnership with KSU will enable Air India to evaluate their capabilities, potentially leading to greater use across its subsidiaries and other airports
Air India is implementing various efficiency measures to incorporate sustainability into its regular fleet operations, which includes the introduction of new aircraft, improved procedures, and utilizing innovative technology. As part of its efforts, Air India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Petroleum last year, to collaborate on research, development, and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
To further reduce its carbon footprint, Air India has partnered with KSU Aviation Pvt. Ltd. for TaxiBot operations, which is expected to save nearly 15,000 tonnes in fuel consumption over three years. The partnership aligns with Air India's commitment to sustainability and its goal to adopt sustainable practices as an integral part of its transformation.
Ashwani Khanna, Director of KSU Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about Air India's formal induction of TaxiBots and commended the airline's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Khanna further emphasized KSU Aviation's dedication to collaborating with like-minded organizations such as Air India, to leverage modern technology to accelerate the pursuit of becoming net-zero.
