KLM’s first passenger flight at Schiphol, a Boeing 737, has successfully been towed from the gate to the Polderbaan runway by a Taxibot. This allowed the aircraft’s engines to remain off during towing, thereby reducing CO2 and NOx emissions.
On Tuesday (December 10, 2024), KLM announced that their first passenger flight at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), a Boeing 737, has been successfully towed from the gate to the Polderbaan runway by a Taxibot prior to takeoff. Thanks to the Taxibot, the aircraft’s engines were able to remain off until the aircraft reached the runway, thereby reducing CO2 and NOx emissions. The difference between a Taxibot and a standard tow vehicle is that the Taxibot is controlled by the pilot of the aircraft rather than the tractor driver. The latter only handles the coupling and pushback from the gate, as well as the return of the vehicle from runway to gate. Once the Taxibot undocks, the pilot then starts engines for takeoff by the runway.
The current Taxibot is a hybrid (part electric/part fossil), but KLM aims to deploy a fully-electric Taxibot in the future. The Taxibot rollout is a collaboration between Schiphol and KLM, LVNL, Transavia, TUI, Swissport, easyJet and handling companies Menzies, VIGGO, dnata and KLM Ground Services. Initially, the project will focus on single aisle aircraft starting with the Boeing 737, and later the Airbus A321neo and Embraer jets. KLM plans on expanding Taxibot use at Schiphol in the coming years, but this will require major changes to infrastructure, processes and technology, as well as pilot training.
In a separate press release on Tuesday (December 10, 2024), KLM announced the launch of three new European destinations in 2025, including Ljubljana (LJU) in Slovenia, Exeter (EXT) in the UK and Biarritz (BIQ), France. Daily flights to Ljubljana and Exeter start on March 30th and will operate year-round. Starting April 19, 2025, service to Biarritz will operate daily throughout the summer season, and then twice weekly during the winter months.
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city in Slovenia, and serves as an interesting destination for business travelers and tourists alike. The city offers a varied landscape, beautiful nature and a rich cultural heritage. Slovenia is the birthplace of U.S. First Lady, Melania Trump.
Located in Southwest England, Exeter is the gateway to Devon and Cornwall. The city is situated northeast of the famous port city of Plymouth and Southwest of Bristol. The coastline, known as the ‘Jurassic Coast’ is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and features steep cliffs and unique landforms. KLM is introducing the first new direct connection between Amsterdam and Exeter since 2019, a route previously operated by Flybe.
The stylish seaside resort of Biarritz is located on the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France, and is known as the surf capital of Europe. The French Basque region serves as an ideal holiday destination, with a mix of beaches, forests, mountains, cities and quaint Basque villages.
Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines