Japan’s #2 airline, ANA, is testing a remote-controlled tug to push planes back from the gate at take-off and to position them on the field. The airline says it hopes for more accurate positioning and fewer delays, but it also cites labor savings.
The Mototok Spacer 8600 will have a human, but remote, operator for now, but could eventually be adopted to hands-off control. The airline already claims that it will save money on training tug operators because controlling the remote tug is easier.
So far, it’s been tested at Haneda, Japan’s busiest airport, and has been tried with 737s, A320s and A321s. ANA plans to have it in full operation by 2020 and will consider trying it with bigger planes. Other carriers are also interested.
