StandardAero and Green Taxi Solutions Announce Partnership

StandardAero and Green Taxi Solutions Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Electric Taxiing Technology

StandardAero, a prominent independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, has announced a strategic partnership with Green Taxi Solutions (GTS) to certify the innovative Zero Engine Taxi™ system. This fully electric technology enables aircraft to taxi without engaging their main engines, representing a significant advancement in sustainable aviation ground operations.

Funding and Development Support

The collaboration is supported by a substantial US$5.6 million grant from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) programme. This funding is dedicated to the development and certification of the Zero Engine Taxi™ system, also referred to as eTaxi, underscoring the federal commitment to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.

Environmental and Operational Advantages of eTaxi

The eTaxi system utilizes the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) to power electric motors that drive the aircraft during taxiing. This approach offers multiple benefits, including a marked reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, which aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate impact. Additionally, the system decreases brake wear, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and extending component lifespan. Noise pollution at airports is also significantly diminished, contributing to improved community relations. Operationally, the technology facilitates quicker turnaround times, enhancing overall efficiency. Projections estimate that the system could save up to 80,000 gallons of fuel and approximately $250,000 per aircraft annually, highlighting its potential economic and environmental impact.

Certification Pathway and Future Prospects

StandardAero will lead the FAA certification process, initially targeting the Embraer E175 aircraft model. The certification is anticipated to take two to three years, after which the program will expand to include additional commercial and military aircraft platforms. Efforts are also underway to secure certification from international regulatory bodies such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC).

Leveraging its extensive expertise in engine maintenance, engineering, and regulatory certification, StandardAero is positioned as a critical partner in advancing the eTaxi system. This collaboration represents a key step toward integrating clean technologies into aircraft ground operations, supporting the broader aviation industry’s sustainability objectives.