2012
09.02.2012
easyJet first airline to trial electric green taxiing system by Safran and Honeywell
PRESS RELEASE
London, February 9, 2012
easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, in collaboration with Honeywell (NYSE:HON) and Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF), has today announced that it will be the first airline to support the development and trial of the innovative new electric green taxiing system (EGTS).
Due to the high frequency and short sector lengths of easyJet’s operations, around 4% of total fuel consumed annually is used when the airline’s aircraft are taxiing. easyJet’s aircraft average 20 minutes of taxi time per flight – the equivalent of 3.5 million miles a year.
The first operational trials are expected to start in 2013. Honeywell and Safran are targeting to offer the electric green taxiing system either on new aircraft or as a retrofit solution to in-service aircraft as early as 2016.
The development and trial will help establish whether the estimated savings can be realised and also quantify other benefits. easyJet will also assist in establishing the airline standard operational procedures for aircraft equipped with the system.
Ian Davies, Head of Engineering and Maintenance, easyJet, said, “easyJet is always seeking innovative ways of reducing our environmental footprint as well as our operating costs so this technology is of great interest to us. This collaboration with Honeywell and Safran allows us to bring our huge experience of high frequency and high levels of operational performance to the partnership to ensure that the solution meets our needs.”
Yves Leclère, Safran Executive Vice President, Transformation said, “We are very pleased to partner with easyJet on the electric green taxiing system. It is a clear vote of confidence from a major airline which gives significant credibility to our system and value model.”
John Bolton, President, Honeywell’s Air Transport and Regional business, added, “Our complementary technologies and fully integrated customer approach have earned the confidence of a major player in the airline industry, and we will highly value easyJet’s operational input in developing the EGTS.”
The EGTS allows aircraft to taxi without requiring the use of aircraft engines by using the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator to power motors in the main wheels. Each of the aircraft’s powered wheels is equipped with an electromechanical actuator, while unique power electronics and system controllers give pilots total control of the aircraft’s speed, direction and braking during taxi operations. The system would therefore reduce, if not remove altogether, the need for tugs to manoeuvre aircraft in and out of stands.
About easyJet
easyJet operates Europe’s No. 1 air transport network with a leading presence on Europe’s top 100 routes and at Europe’s 50 largest airports.
easyJet flies on more than 604 routes between 130 airports in 29 countries. More than 300 million Europeans live within one hour’s drive of an easyJet airport, more than any other airline.
The airline takes sustainability seriously. easyJet invests in the latest technology, operates efficiently and fills most of its seats which means that an easyJet passenger’s carbon footprint is 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline, flying the same aircraft on the same route.
About Safran
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has more than 54,000 employees and generated sales of 10.8 billion euros in 2010. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.2 billion euros in 2010. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the CAC 40.
For more information, www.safran-group.com ; Follow @SAFRAN on Twitter
About Honeywell
Honeywell’s aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations. Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges.
For more information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com
SAFRAN CONTACT
Honeywell contact
Media
Bill Reavis
+1 602-365-2055
Bill.Reavis@honeywell.com
Safran contacts
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Catherine Malek
+33 (0)1 40 60 80 28
catherine.malek@safran.fr
Investor relations
Pascal Bantegnie
+33 (0)1 40 60 80 45
pascal.bantegnie@safran.fr
Antoine-Pierre de Grammont
+33 (0)1 40 60 80 47
antoine-pierre.degrammont@safran.fr
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