SpiceJet partners with WheelTug for electric taxi system, as the airline targets lower fuel costs

• This will allow Spicejet to move an aircraft forward or backwards without powering its engines or using external tugs, thus saving a massive amount of fuel and cash for the airline.
  
• The airline said it is the largest Boeing 737 operator in India and, “by inducting WheelTug into its B737 operations, the company aims to reduce the fuel burn during taxi out and in.”
  
• WheelTug is based in the Isle of Man and is indulged in developing the WheelTug aircraft electric drive system.
  
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India’s largest cargo operator and budget carrier, SpiceJet, has partnered with WheelTug Plc for reserving 400 production slots for the electric taxi system.

This will allow Spicejet to move an aircraft forward or backwards without powering its engines or using external tugs, thus saving a massive amount of fuel and cash for the airline. The fuel cost has been a major worry for airlines around the globe. According to rating agency ICRA, the air turbine fuel (ATF) comprises nearly 30-40% of an airline's total cost, and the prices in India are 45-50% higher, compared to international standard prices.

The electric taxi system will also enable SpiceJet to reduce its carbon emissions as well as noise levels with an improved fleet utilisation, thereby directly improving the bottom line.

The Gurugram-headquartered no-frills carrier said it is the largest Boeing 737 operator in India and, “by inducting WheelTug into its B737 operations, the company aims to reduce the fuel burn during Taxi out and in.”

WheelTug is based in the Isle of Man and is indulged in developing the WheelTug aircraft electric drive system. The company said that more than 25 airlines representing over 2000 aircraft have reserved slots for WheelTug systems.

The WheelTug system places high-torque motors in the nose wheels of the aircraft. Pilots control the aircraft themselves, performing ground operations without requiring tugs for manoeuvres.

Meanwhile, the shares of the Budget carrier were trading 1.2% higher at 12:30 pm.

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