WheelTug’s new facility to enable global deliveries from 2022

The electric taxi pioneer has already signed letters of intent with over 25 airlines including IndiGo and SpiceJet in India, representing more than 2,000 aircraft- 15 per cent of all (13,000) Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s in service.

Hyderabad: US-based WheelTug secured a 37,000-square-feet manufacturing facility in Baltimore, Maryland, US, which will serve as the nexus of assembly, test, and logistics operations for global delivery of electric WheelTug systems, including deliveries to India, which is one of the key markets for the company.

The electric taxi pioneer has already signed letters of intent with over 25 airlines including IndiGo and SpiceJet in India, representing more than 2,000 aircraft- 15 per cent of all (13,000) Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s in service. The systems will be available for the Boeing 737NG family in 2022, followed by an A320 version.

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The new facility and production management expertise enables WheelTug to meet existing and future demand for WheelTug systems. The on-board electric systems enable airline operators to cut between five and 20 minutes from every turnaround operation by taxiing on the ground without engines or tugs.

Airline interest in securing the WheelTug systems is growing and in 2020 alone, WheelTug almost doubled the number of positions reserved by airlines. The company is in talks with airlines worldwide, including major Asian, European and US carriers.

Isaiah Cox, CEO, WheelTug told Telangana Today, “IndiGo and SpiceJet have signed up with us already, and because they account for 60 per cent of the local market, India is among the top three WheelTug markets.”

“We offer the system as a retrofit, making an old aircraft more efficient, thus making an airline more competitive. One of the other key drivers is going to be tackling congestion at the busiest airports of the world,” he added.

Globally, airport traffic continues to grow with crowded bottlenecks, more ground vehicles and busy schedules leading to more incidents in ramp areas. WheelTug promises to bring its technology to airports at no cost, reduce traffic and ground clutter making them safer and quieter.

The system enables pilot-controlled forward and reverse movement in the gate and terminal areas without tractors or jet engines. WheelTug’s system employs high-torque motors powered by the aircraft APU (auxiliary power unit) installed in the nose wheels of the aircraft, which give pilots control of the aircraft when performing ground operations.

Pushback tugs will not be required to back up from gates, and aircraft will not generate jet blasts in the terminal areas, which as a result allows faster taxi-back clearances. It also cuts safety clearance delay and increases aircraft movement. The onboard camera system provides situational awareness through the pilot’s electronic flight bag, giving useful insights. WheelTug may help the aviation sector move towards automation on the ground, according to WheelTug chief.

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