During the first phase, TaxiBot vehicles will be delivered to the airports and run in a controlled trial until the end of this year. The second phase will see the delivery of 38 additional vehicles, over a four year period, to New Delhi and Mumbai airports; the general Indian market will also be addressed.
A semi-autonomous pushback, the operation of which is passed over to the aircraft pilot, was developed by TLD in conjunction with other investor companies. By obviating the need for aircraft running on a single engine, the TaxiBot permits lower noise levels, reduces FOD and means less fuel is used during the manoeuvre.
The TLD Group's CEO, Antoine Maguin, commented: "After years of development, heavy testing and certification, for which TLD has worked in co-operation with IAI, the TaxiBot concept and machines have become a reality. It will bring significant benefits to the aviation industry, and in particular strong fuel savings, and to the whole community by improving aviation and airports environmental footprint."
