Wrapping up with impact: HERON trials hybrid taxiing

Trials of hybrid-electric towing vehicles, known as Taxibots, are gaining traction as Airbus -led HERON moves into its concluding months. The three-year SESAR European Digital Sky Demonstrator aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of aircraft operations both in the air and on the ground.

At the heart of HERON's ground movement studies is the Taxibot, a pilot-controlled hybrid-electric tug designed to tow aircraft between gates and runways without the need for engine power. By reducing fuel burn, the system significantly cuts CO₂, NOₓ and noise emissions. The technology is now certified for retrofit on Airbus single-aisle aircraft, with easyJet planning a live trial at Schiphol airport later this year.

Amsterdam Schiphol, which targets zero emissions by 2030, is one of several major hubs participating in the trials, alongside Paris Charles de Gaulle, Brussels, New York JFK and New Delhi airports. Future developments include a fully electric version and a variant for widebody aircraft.

Led by Airbus, HERON brings together 24 partners from across the aviation ecosystem, including airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and manufacturers. While Taxibot is a key highlight, the project is also advancing work on trajectory-based operations, single engine taxiing and greener arrival and runway procedures.

The HERON project is co-funded a European Union-funded project under the Connecting Europe Facility, managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and supported by the SESAR Joint Undertaking.

Read the full Airbus article

Visit HERON's website

Follow HERON on LinkedIn and X