4 Reasons You Might Want to Consider an Electric Aircraft Tug

1. Electric Aircraft Tugs Can Reduce Fuel and Maintenance Costs

When comparing the overall fuel and maintenance costs of diesel and electric tugs, it's clear that electric tow tugs require far less of each over time. As the name implies, electric airplane tugs run on batteries rather than costly diesel fuel – eliminating one of the most costly aspects of running an airline. In addition, an electric aircraft tug fleet won't require many of the services and repairs typically required for diesel tug maintenance. That means:

It's essential to keep in mind that while electric airplane tugs require less maintenance, it can still sometimes be more difficult to find replacement parts when maintenance is required. Diesel tow tugs, on the other hand, can be easier to fix because their engines are more common from a parts availability perspective.

2. Electric Tugs Contribute to Corporate Sustainability Efforts

Did you know that nearly two percent of global human carbon dioxide emissions are emitted by airlines? In fact, the world's air transport industry has put a goal in place of cutting this output in half by 2050. And that isn't as far off as it may seem.

If sustainability is a part of a company's culture (which it should be), upgrading a fleet with a few electric aircraft tugs is an excellent step in the right direction to become a greener airline and make a difference in the world. An electric aircraft tug gives off zero emissions, so not only will airlines be cutting down on local pollution, but they'll also help eliminate any potential health hazards for staff and area residents alike.

3. Electric Tow Tugs Enhance Employee Satisfaction and Turnover Rates

Understanding how an aircraft tug, electric or diesel, can affect employee satisfaction and turnover is easier than you might think. All one has to do is consider the day-to-day working conditions of ground personnel. An airport can be an extremely stressful environment to work in. On top of the fast-paced, incredibly precise nature of the flightline ground personnel face every day, diesel tugs pollute this working environment through excessive dirt and noise.

The diesel engines in traditional tugs produce tons of harmful exhaust fumes consistently breathed in by ground personnel. Any exposure to these carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases can have an adverse effect on one's health. Additionally, according to the World Health Association (WHO), constant exposure to noise pollution can disturb sleep, impact job performance, cause cardiovascular and psychophysiological effects, and provoke annoyance responses and changes in behavior. These factors can lead to employee discontent and high turnover rates at your airport or facility.

However, the battery-powered engine in electric tow tugs works silently and runs clean, leading to less noise pollution and emissions on the flightline. Eliminating these two major sources that negatively affect employee health can reduce stress and improve the overall well-being of ground personnel. While you obviously can't cut down on all pollution at an airport by adding an electric tug fleet, every little bit helps.

4. Electric Airplane Tugs Improve Maneuverability and Mobility

There is one key advantage to electric airplane tugs that gets overlooked quite often – their excellent maneuverability and overall mobility.

Since electric aircraft tugs are emission-free, they can be safely used on the flightline, in hangars and throughout production halls, unlike their diesel counterparts. And, because of their compact size and uninterrupted torque, an electric tug can maneuver into tight areas and smaller spots while maintaining exact and smooth movements for easier towing.