<![CDATA[KLM Newsroom]]> https://news.klm.com/ en Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:59:04 +0200 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:13:21 +0100 <![CDATA[KLM Newsroom]]> https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_162.jpg https://news.klm.com/ 144 First KLM passenger flight with Taxibot https://news.klm.com/first-klm-passenger-flight-with-taxibot/ https://news.klm.com/first-klm-passenger-flight-with-taxibot/680902Today at Schiphol, the first KLM passenger flight – a KLM Boeing 737 – was successfully towed from the gate to the Polderbaan runway by a Taxibot to then depart to its destination from there. Thanks to the Taxibot, the aircraft’s engines were able to remain off until the Polderbaan. This means that the aircraft emits less CO₂, NOx and (ultra)fine particles when taxiing to the runway.

]]>How does a Taxibot work?
At first glance, the Taxibot resembles a standard tow vehicle. The difference is that the Taxibot is controlled by the pilot of the aircraft during taxiing and not by the tractor driver. The latter only takes care of the coupling and pushback from the gate and returns the Taxibot from the runway back to the gate. The Taxibot undocks and the pilot starts the aircraft’s engines for take-off by the runway. The Taxibot is currently still powered by a motor (part electric/part fossil). Our future aim is to taxi aircraft to the stand at the runway using an electrically powered Taxibot.

Collaboration 
The introduction of the Taxibot into the operation is a collaboration between Schiphol and KLM, LVNL, Transavia, TUI, Swissport, EasyJet and handlers Menzies, VIGGO, dnata and KLM Ground Services. Initially, the project will focus on the narrowbody fleet: first the Boeing 737, later also the new A321neo and the Embraer.

Expansion 
KLM aims to expand taxiing with a Taxibot at Schiphol in the coming years. To achieve this, major, drastic changes to infrastructure, processes and technology are required. It is also important to determine through trials how the Taxibot can be integrated into daily operations and all pilots must be trained to operate the Taxibot.

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:13:21 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/162/f09fe6cb-d420-4556-ad2d-8f47545f36bd/500_taxibot-4.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/162/f09fe6cb-d420-4556-ad2d-8f47545f36bd/taxibot-4.jpg?10000 KLM trials sustainable taxiing https://news.klm.com/klm-trials-sustainable-taxiing/ https://news.klm.com/klm-trials-sustainable-taxiing/391740KLM today started taking part in a trial at Schiphol to test sustainable ways to taxi aircraft. The trial is being carried out with a Taxibot. This is a hybrid towing vehicle which, unlike the normal pushback trucks, is licenced to tow full aircraft to near the start of the runway, without the aircraft having to start its engines. This is expected to reduce fuel consumption during taxiing by 50% to 85%. Schiphol Airport has made the Taxibot available to KLM, Transavia and Corendon to enable them to carry out joint research into more sustainable ways to taxi.

During today's test, an empty KLM Boeing 737 was towed to the runway by the Taxibot. "It's important to find out how far we can cut CO2 emissions by using the Taxibot," explained KLM's project manager, Jeroen Jaartsveld. "We'd also like to know how long it takes to taxi with the Taxibot, what effect this has on aircraft engine maintenance, and how we might introduce sustainable taxiing with Taxibots on a large scale into Schiphol's daily operations."

Fly Responsibly

KLM's sustainability initiative, Fly Responsibly, launched last year, included a commitment to reducing carbon emissions caused by taxiing. This will contribute to KLM's ambition to cut its fleet's total carbon emissions by 15% compared to 2005.

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