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 system that enables aircraft to taxi without using their main engines, instead powering an electric motor on a main landing gear wheel via the APU.
This "engine-off" taxi technology offers substantial benefits, including an estimated $306,000 in annual fuel savings per aircraft, reduced carbon emissions, lower maintenance costs, and decreased noise pollution.
Founded by aerospace industry veteran David Valaer, GTS has received a $5.6 million FAA grant and aims for certification by 2027, with plans to initially target Embraer E-175 fleets for installation.
While similar concepts failed in the past, increased environmental initiatives and current fuel costs make GTS's system highly relevant, with European airports already pushing for zero-engine taxiing.

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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.