Self-manoeuvring aircraft at Gatwick

Gatwick could become the first British airport to be served by aircraft that do not require either taxiing support or engines to be running when lining up on the runway for take-off.  It would be a major breakthrough for all involved.

Resident carrier Vueling, a sister company of British Airways in the IAG Group, has confirmed a partnership with WheelTug Inc, a company created specifically to create a system that allows aircraft to taxi without using its engines.  With its electric propulsion system traditional push-back tractors are not required.

The installation of these state-of-the-art devices on Vueling’s Airbus A320 series fleet aircraft will reduce both fuel consumption and noise emissions, in line with the company’s sustainability strategy.  No date has been suggested for the successful installation and certification of the first kit.

WheelTug has been developed over the last few years and a successful demonstration was carried out at Memphis International Airport (MEM) in September 2020, Covid delaying the programme (see BTN 8 February 2021).

www.wheeltug.com

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