Interview Dirk Bresser and Simon Prent: Sustainable taxiing
Dirk Bresser, innovator, OPS:
‘When an aircraft is taxiing, the engines are still running. This produces emissions of CO², NOx and (ultra-)fine particulates. Schiphol aims to be a zero-emissions airport by 2030. This means we need to do something about taxiing in order to achieve that. With sustainable taxiing, the idea is that aircraft no longer use their engines when taxiing, but are towed to and from the runway by a tow truck. This saves on kerosene and reduces emissions.’
Simon Prent, innovator, OPS:
‘That may sound simple, but we have a long way to go. Together with the sector, we’ve just launched the first phase. We’ll soon see the arrival of Taxibot, a special tow truck, at Schiphol. There are only six of them worldwide. One way we will use it is to explore how we can incorporate sustainable taxiing in operations and how this can be achieved at scale. We expect to publish a feasibility study later this year.’
Read the previous blogs
-
New research lab for ultrafine particles on apron
Published on:A research lab has been opened at two aircraft stands. It will be used to measure ultrafine particles, test measures and experiment with innovative ideas.
-
High-tech travel at Schiphol
Published on:Travelling through Schiphol is becoming smarter, safer and more sustainable thanks to all kinds of new technology and innovations in and around the airport.
-
Predicting waiting times at security
Published on:In 2019 we carried out a pilot to inform travellers of the ideal time to arrive at the airport so that they can go through security as quickly as possible.
