Safran Landing Systems and China Aviation Energy and Emissions Solutions (CAEES), a subsidiary of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) specialized in energy and environmental technologies for the aviation sector, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote electric taxiing solutions in China.
Safran Landing Systems is developing an electric taxiing system that will enable commercial airplanes to taxi without having to use their own jet engines or a tractor, thanks to electric motors installed in the wheels on the main landing gear, and powered by the airplane’s own auxiliary power unit (APU). This type of system offers savings on fuel costs of up to 4% per year, while also significantly reducing emissions of carbon, nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc.
As part of the agreement, the two partners will present this technology to Chinese airlines and work with them to evaluate the expected profits. CAEES will provide support to analyze practices related to ground operations and the associated regulations applied by Chinese airports. This agreement will also enable the partners to evaluate the expected environmental gains for all stakeholders (airlines, airports, leasing firms and environmental organizations) and to study the electric taxiing system in relation to Chinese CO2 emission quotas and local subsidies.
“The boom in Chinese air traffic has resulted in strong demand for airplane operations, including quick turnarounds, more taxiing, greater airport congestion and increased carbon emissions,” points out Mr. Zhang Xiaoshi, Managing Director of CAEES. “That’s why we want to carefully evaluate the expected benefits of electric taxiing for Chinese airlines.”
“We are very proud to announce this strategic partnership with CAEES, which will facilitate our discussions with and access to the different players in the Chinese aviation industry,” notes Vincent Mascré, CEO of Safran Landing Systems. “Being more familiar with their expectations will help us refine our system’s capabilities in order for us to offer a product that meets operational requirements in this part of the world.”