Air India has become the first airline in the world to use a Taxibot on a A-320 aircraft with passengers on board. Taxibot is a robot-used aircraft tractor for taxiing an aircraft from parking bay to runway and vice-versa. Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani flagged off flight AI665 and it was carried to runway using Taxibot at Terminal 3 of the Delhi Airport – to Mumbai. It is a pilot controlled semi-robotic towbar-less aircraft tractor used as alternate taxiing equipment.
Mr Lohani said, it is the first such usage on any Airbus aircraft worldwide. He said, it is a giant step forward towards a cleaner environment. It will bring down the consumption of fuel by 85 per cent and reduce engine wear and tear. The ignition will be turned only when the aircraft reaches the runway.
According to Air India spokesperson, Taxibots will be used for departing flights only. It will be significantly used during taxiing of an aircraft.
Mobile phones in Kashmir buzzed back to life yesterday connecting 40 lakh post-paid subscribers to their families and friends in the country after 72 days.
