The aviation industry is on the brink of a groundbreaking transformation, and it’s all about making taxiing more efficient and eco-friendly! Green Taxi Aerospace is gearing up to revolutionize Embraer’s E175 aircraft with its innovative eTaxi retrofit, and the FAA certification process is underway.
But here’s the big reveal: Green Taxi aims to secure a supplemental type certificate (STC) by the end of 2027, marking a significant milestone in sustainable aviation. This certification journey is a meticulous process, with a roadmap outlining technical milestones that will gradually unlock the technology’s adoption.
The eTaxi system, powered by the aircraft’s APU and landing gear motors, promises to slash fuel consumption and emissions during ground operations. And the numbers are impressive! Internal estimates suggest a whopping 80,000 gallons of fuel saved and $250,000 in annual savings per aircraft. That’s a game-changer for airlines, right?
The certification process is a seven-step dance, with Standard Aero leading the way. By mid-2026, detailed system designs will be ready, and FAA approval will set the stage for the system’s ‘type design’ definition. This is crucial for ensuring the hardware meets the required standards.
And here’s where it gets exciting: a prototype installation and rigorous ground testing on the E175 are scheduled for early 2027. If all goes according to plan, the STC will be granted by the FAA by the end of that year, with parallel approvals from EASA and Brazil’s ANAC, too.
The retrofit is cleverly designed to be lightweight and minimally invasive. David Valaer, Green Taxi Solutions’ president, assures us that the system adds less than 300 lbs and maintains the aircraft’s balance. Airlines can even reduce taxiing fuel, offsetting the added weight and making the system virtually weight-neutral.
Green Taxi is playing it smart by pursuing certification for both E175 and E170 platforms simultaneously, as they share the same type certificate data. This strategy streamlines the process and expands the market reach.
Although Green Taxi hasn’t disclosed direct partnerships with Embraer or MROs, the retrofit seems tailored for easy adaptation across both aircraft models, ensuring a seamless installation process.
As the aviation world eagerly awaits this technology, the next 24 months will be crucial. Can Green Taxi’s eTaxi system meet the stringent FAA standards and live up to the industry’s sustainability aspirations? The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high. What do you think? Is this the future of eco-friendly aviation, or will it face unexpected challenges? Share your thoughts below!