Goldhofer to build 14 electric tow tractors for Munich Airport
The Phoenix series are towbar-less aircraft tractors that encompass and lift the nose wheel of the aircraft. The Phoenix E is the first battery-electric representative of this series. According to Goldhofer, customers can choose from “a range of battery configurations and a powerful drive system” for this model. However, the technical data is not specified in the German company’s press release.
However, it is already known from previous announcements that the Phoenix E, like its conventionally powered sister models, can move aircraft with a take-off weight of up to 352 tonnes, including wide-body jets. It is said to be even suitable for maintenance tows at speeds of up to 32 kph due to its performance. The thermal management also allows for shorter charging times.
The first example of the electric aircraft tractor has been in use in Munich since January 2021, with further tests taking place in Vienna, Zurich and Los Angeles, according to Goldhofer. The first customer vehicle was then delivered at the end of 2021 – to Frankfurt Airport. A second followed a year later. Goldhofer CEO Matthias Ruppel emphasised the large order volume of the EFM order in his statement: “Collaboration with EFM GmbH underscores our position as a technology leader in the field of e-mobility. We are proud to be making a decisive contribution to zero-emission ground support with our ‘PHOENIX’ E tractors and thus leading the way into a sustainable future.”
Goldhofer AG is based in Memmingen and is a manufacturing specialist for heavy-duty and special transport vehicles as well as ground support equipment. According to the company, a strong focus is on the development and construction of both conventional and towbar-less aircraft tow tractors, aircraft recovery systems as well as baggage and cargo tow tractors.
EFM Managing Director Jörg Abel comments on the contract award as follows: “This latest investment in Goldhofer equipment is a further milestone for future-proof ground handling by EFM GmbH at Munich Airport. As a pioneer in the field of zero-emission ground support, our goal is to make ground support fit for a sustainable future. Goldhofer’s »PHOENIX« E tractors make a valuable contribution to our endeavour and will help us achieve our vision of a green future.”
EFM GmbH describes itself as a specialist in the manoeuvring, de-icing and air conditioning of aircraft. Founded in 1992, the company currently employs a good 150 people in its operational business and, according to its own figures, carries out more than 200,000 manoeuvring operations and up to 15,000 de-icing operations every year.
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