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United Airlines is making strides in sustainable aviation by incorporating electric super tugs into its operations. As of December 2023, more than 35% of the airline's ground support equipment was electric, with plans to further increase this percentage. The airline aims to phase out environmentally polluting diesel tugs and transition to fully electric operations.
Electric tugs offer several advantages over their diesel counterparts. They reduce carbon emissions by about 2.5 times, contributing to United Airlines' commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Charles Hinkle, United Airlines Operations Manager, praised the new technology: "This thing’s been a game changer. It’s like the Tesla of super tugs." The E-Phoenix electric tug from Goldhofer AG can lift and haul large aircraft such as the Boeing 777.
In addition to environmental benefits, electric super tugs help cut operational costs significantly. Each tug saves the airline $50,000 annually in diesel fuel costs. According to a sustainability report by United Airlines, these savings are part of a broader strategy that includes investing in charging infrastructure across its network.
