Air India becomes first airline in world to use Taxibot on A-320 aircraft

Air India has become the first airline in the world to use a Taxibot on an A-320 aircraft with passengers on board.

Taxibot is a robot-used aircraft tractor for taxiing an aircraft from parking bay to runway and vice-versa. Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani flagged off flight AI665 and it was carried to runway using Taxibot at Terminal 3 of the Delhi Airport – to Mumbai. It is a pilot-controlled semi-robotic towbar-less aircraft tractor used as alternate taxiing equipment.

Mr Lohani said it is the first such usage on any Airbus aircraft worldwide. He said it is a giant step forward towards a cleaner environment. It will bring down the consumption of fuel by 85 per cent and reduce engine wear and tear. The ignition will be turned on only when the aircraft reaches the runway.

According to Air India spokesperson, Taxibots will be used for departing flights only. It will be significantly used during taxiing of an aircraft.