Airport Operations Delays and Possible Mitigation Through Electric Taxi Systems: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Airline daily departures, not including private aircraft, increased from 25,143 in 2000 to 36,722 in 2017. More passengers necessitate more aircraft and more flights. With more aircraft at terminals, ground delays, based on current airport design, will continue to increase. Systems that allow for reduced aircraft time on the ground will improve airline economics and airport operations, in addition, will reduce airline delays both for departure and arrival at the gate. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the efficacy, from ramp controllers’ perspectives, of equipping airliners with an electric taxi system. Prototype electric taxi systems have shown a savings of up to 10 minutes for an aircraft to pushback and depart the ramp area. A case study methodology was employed to examine the various aspects of four representative airports regarding the potential implementation of the electric taxi system. Results showed that although ramp controllers saw economic and environmental benefits to an electric taxi system, most believed that these systems would not save time in and out of the ramp entry and exit areas due to limitations of airport design. Releasing control of more airport ground areas, to the ramp controllers, would be far more effective in reducing gate delays.