MEMPHIS, Tenn. and GIBRALTAR, 10 January 2018 - Total Air Group (TAG) and WheelTug plc are pleased to announce an expansion of their existing cooperation.
In its expanded role as a risk-sharing partner, TAG will help finalize WheelTug's test, maintenance and repair procedures, as well as assist in the development of training procedures for WheelTug-authorized mechanics and technicians. TAG will also provide mobile teams for WheelTug system installations and maintenance at customer sites, and handle some logistic functions for the WheelTug support network.
Mike Silvius, CEO of TAG, said "becoming a member of the WheelTug Team is extremely exciting for our organization. The partnering of a dynamic repair station with such an innovative, forward thinking aviation product is an outstanding 'power multiplier' that will benefit all parties immensely. The efficiencies, time savings, safety, and automation that this system brings to an aviation environment with growing operational limitations will be celebrated by CFOs, pilots, and passengers."
WheelTug CEO Isaiah Cox agreed. "This expanded agreement with TAG is a natural progression. TAG has already been a very valuable member of the WheelTug development and certification team, thanks to its hands-on experience with aircraft operational aspects, maintenance implications, and on-aircraft tests. We also look forward to working with them on our TaxiCam™ system to provide pilots with greater situational awareness."
Total Air Group is a small, veteran-owned LLC formed in 2006 by a team of FedEx aircraft maintenance technicians. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, Total Air Group is a FAA/EASA Certified Repair Station that provides scheduled, unscheduled, AOG off-site, component repair, fleet management, and on-demand aircraft maintenance support for both certificated air carriers and private operators throughout the country.
WheelTug plc is a Gibraltar company developing an innovative e-taxi electric drive system that will enable aircraft to taxi forward and backward using twin electric motors installed in their nosewheels. Airline savings in flight turnaround time, fuel, reduced aircraft damage, emissions, and other areas are expected to total more than $1,000 per flight. Currently in the certification process, entry into service, initially for Boeing 737NG aircraft, is anticipated in mid-2019.
A full listing of WheelTug partner companies and airline customers is on the company's website at http://www.wheeltug.gi. A forward-looking statement is available at http://www.wheeltug.gi/fls.shtml