IAI and Lufthansa LEOS sign MOU for operational testing of TaxiBot at Frankfurt Airport

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Lufthansa LEOS- Lufthansa’s Ground Handling Company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for operational test series of TaxiBot at Frankfurt airport. Starting May 2013, three prototype TaxiBot tractors manufactured by TLD will undergo intensive tests with the Lufthansa Boeing 737 fleet in a typical operating environment at Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa’s hub. The tests will include the collection of extensive operating data, the optimization of ground processes from push-back to take-off, and further refinement of the TaxiBot system to achieve the planned series production of the vehicle. During the remaining months of 2012, maintenance documentation and a training concept will be produced, and in early 2013 the certification process of the TaxiBot will be finalized and personnel will be hired and trained for the system tests.