easyJet and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Deploy TaxiBot Automated Taxiing
- Joe Breitfeller
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
easyJet has today announced that in partnership with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, they have deployed automated aircraft taxiing to reduce ground emissions. Four easyJet aircraft are being equipped for TaxiBot for use at the airport.
On Tuesday (May 26, 2026), easyJet and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) announced the rollout of electronic TaxiBot technology for Airbus aircraft operations at Schiphol, following a successful trial earlier this year. TaxiBot, funded by the SESAR project HERON, is a semi-robotic, push-pull-free aircraft tractor that enables aircraft to taxi between the gate and runway without using their main jet engines. Instead, the aircraft operates only with its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), significantly reducing fuel burn, CO₂ emissions and noise during ground operations.
In Tuesday’s announcement, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, David Morgan, said,
“TaxiBot is another important step in our mission to operate as efficiently as possible. This technology delivers immediate reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise, while supporting more efficient ground operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports. As we continue to modernise our operations, initiatives like this demonstrate how innovation and collaboration across the industry can help reduce aviation’s environmental impact both in the air and on the ground.”
Also commenting on the TaxiBot rollout, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s Chief People and Transformation Officer, Esmé Valk, said,
“By deploying the TaxiBot, we’re taking another practical step towards reduced emissions and noise on the apron. This is how we’re creating a healthier and cleaner workplace, and an ever more sustainable and modern airport that is ready for the future.”
Menzies Aviation’s EVP – Europe, Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, added,
“The introduction of TaxiBot at Schiphol shows what can be achieved when technology and collaboration come together. At Menzies, we’re focused on using solutions that improve efficiency and cut emissions. We’re working closely with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and easyJet to make these changes part of everyday operations, while creating a cleaner, healthier environment on the ramp.”
Following a successful test in March, the first easyJet passenger flight using TaxiBot took place on April 30, 2026. Three more easyJet Airbus A320neos are now being fitted with TaxiBot systems permanently as part of the program, delivered in collaboration with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Menzies Aviation, Airbus and SAS. easyJet estimates TaxiBot will save an average of 95kg of fuel and 299kg of CO₂ per flight, while also reducing noise on the apron. Schiphol is the first airport in Europe to deploy electric TaxiBot technology for Airbus aircraft operations. According to the airport, large-scale deployment could reduce fuel consumption during taxiing by up to 65 percent, while also significantly reducing CO2, NOx and ultrafine particle emissions.
Source: easyJet
