Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The TaxiBot vehicle, designed to tow airliners from airport gates to runways without their engines running, recently made another breakthrough by earning a supplemental type certificate from both the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel for use with Boeing 737NG narrowbodies. The certification builds on approvals covering all <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-11-03/taxibot-approved-enter-service-737-fleet">earlier versions of the 737 family</a>.

 


The semi-robotic, pilot-controlled TaxiBot system has undergone development since 2008 by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in partnership with Lufthansa LEOS and France’s TLD. Now the partners are working on getting an equivalent STC to cover use with Airbus airliners. German flagcarrier Lufthansa has used the vehicle in support of commercial operations <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-11-03/taxibot-approved-enter-service-737-fleet">at Frankfurt Airport since November 2014</a>, and IAI is actively marketing it to other operators.

 


TaxiBot’s readiness for service appears well-timed, as airlines and airports feel pressure to further reduce air transport’s environmental footprint in response to last week’s adoption <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-10-06/icao-approves-carbon-offsetting-scheme-global-aviation">by ICAO of new global market-based measures</a> to reduce carbon emissions as aviation’s contribution to the newly&nbsp;adopted Paris Agreement. According to IAI, TaxiBot consumes around 25 to 30 liters of fuel to tow a 737 or A320 to its takeoff position, compared with as much as 1,250 liters to taxi an aircraft under its own power in a typical 17-minute operation. The use of TaxiBot also promises a significant cut in carbon dioxide emissions, from around 7,040 pounds per typical taxi operation to less than 132 pounds.

 


Ground handlers couple the TaxiBot to the aircraft’s main nose landing gear at the gate and then decouple the vehicle on the taxiway as the aircraft prepares to move onto the runway. The pilot retains full control of taxiing, operating the TaxiBot via the tiller and brake pedals, and the system requires no modification to the aircraft. Trials of the TaxiBot have shown the system capable of taxiing a fully loaded 737 at a speed of 23 knots.

 


The significant reduction in fuel prices this year might have diluted the business case somewhat for investing in such a system, but TaxiBot project director Ron Braier told AIN that operators can still expect to cover the cost of the equipment (for which it hasn't published a list price) in just over two years. Customers will likely include airlines needing their own taxiing equipment at their base airports, ground handling providers and airports.

 


TaxiBot faces competition from <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-11-12/aversan-aiding-wheeltug-taxiing-system">Wheeltug of the U.S.</a>, which has been conducting its own trials with a 737-800 testbed aircraft provided by Air Transat. Last year, the manufacturer indicated the system, which uses electric motors, will enter service in 2017.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

TaxiBot Ready To Cut Cost and Carbon Footprint for Taxiing 

The TaxiBot vehicle burns a small fraction of the fuel expended by a typical airline to taxi to its takeoff position.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Helsinki city officials want to build housing on the historic site and nature reserve

Campaigners Push to Reopen Helsinki's Malmi Airport

Hanneke Weitering

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Electric aircraft and ground vehicles can now charge at KBAF in western Massachusetts

Atlantic and Beta Add Aircraft Chargers in Massachusetts

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Airport ground vehicles create a memorable holiday light display

Czech Airport Lights Up with Holiday Spirit

Matt Thurber

ADS-B and computer vision enables system to detect landing and on-runway traffic

Purdue Polytechnic Patenting Runway Status Lights 

Galesburg Regional Airport will be renamed for a hometown aviation legend

Illinois Airport To Honor Local Aviator, FBO Operator

AmyWilder

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

New operator plans upgrades and eVTOL integration

New Operator, Upgrade for Downtown Manhattan Heliport

KTPF accepts night flights for the first time since September

Tampa GA Airport Now Fully Operational after Storms

Peter Shaw-Smith

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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