Schiphol Deploys World's First Electric TaxiBot for Aircraft

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has begun operating the world's first fully electric TaxiBot, a specialized tug that moves Airbus A320 aircraft from the gate to the runway without the planes needing to run their own engines during taxiing.

The electric TaxiBot, developed by Smart Airport Systems and operated in partnership with easyJet, Airbus, and Menzies Aviation, is deployed on the Polderbaan Runway — Schiphol's runway with the longest taxi distance — where potential fuel savings can reach up to 65 percent per flight. Reduced kerosene consumption translates directly into lower emissions of CO₂, nitrogen oxides, and fine particles, as well as reduced noise on the apron, benefiting both the environment and ground staff.

The vehicle operates at speeds of up to 23 knots (42 km/h), with the pilot controlling it from the cockpit. An operator seated in the TaxiBot drives it back to the gate after uncoupling, ready for the next aircraft.

The electric model joins two hybrid TaxiBots already in service at Schiphol since 2022, which handle KLM Boeing 737 movements on the same runway. Three additional electric units are expected to arrive later this year, enabling expansion to more aircraft types. Certification work is already underway for Embraer aircraft with KLM Cityhopper, and Transavia is set to join the program with its Boeing 737 fleet.

"We are taking a tangible step towards making our operations at Schiphol more efficient," said an easyJet representative involved in the rollout. "This is only possible thanks to the commitment of our partners, and in particular the Menzies Aviation team."