Eco-Friendly Aviation: Look Mom, Engine-Free Airplane Taxi

Innovative system touts saving fuel and reducing carbon footprint.

Les Abend

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The APU will provide electrical power to drive the taxi motor through gearing assemblies on the inside of one main landing gear wheel. [Courtesy: Green Taxi Solutions]

Key Takeaways:

Green Taxi Solutions (GTS) is developing an innovative electric taxi system that enables aircraft to move on the ground using an APU-powered electric motor on the main landing gear, eliminating the need for main engine power during taxi.
This "no-engine taxi" system is projected to deliver significant benefits, including substantial fuel savings (estimated at 126,000 gallons/$306,000 annually per aircraft), reduced carbon emissions, lower engine maintenance costs, and improved ground safety.
Backed by a $5.6 million FAA grant, GTS aims for certification by 2027, with initial installations targeted for Embraer E-175s, followed by Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, with major airlines already expressing willingness to adopt the technology.

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The majority of musings in this column involve experiences and airline-relatable topics. Not often are specific aviation products discussed.

But when Green Taxi Solutions appeared on the radar, it was hard to resist a system that has the potential to be a game changer. When the installations begin, airline pilots will have to adjust not only their aircraft operation but their mindset.