The Phoenix series consists of towbarless aircraft tugs that grasp 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 “various battery configurations and a powerful drive system” for this model. However, the technical data is not mentioned 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 tons, including wide-body jets. Due to its performance, it is even suitable for maintenance tows at up to 32 km/h. The thermal management also enables shorter charging times.
The first example of the electric aircraft tug 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 emphasized the large order volume of the EFM order in his statement: “The cooperation with EFM GmbH underlines our position as a technology leader in the field of e-mobility. We are proud to make a decisive contribution to emission-free ground handling with our ‘PHOENIX’ e-tugs and thus point the way to a sustainable future.”
Goldhofer AG, based in Memmingen, is a specialist manufacturer of heavy-duty and special transport vehicles as well as ground handling equipment. According to the company, one focus is on the development and construction of conventional and towbarless aircraft tractors, aircraft recovery systems as well as baggage and cargo tractors.
EFM Managing Director Jörg Abel comments on the award of the contract as follows: “This renewed investment in Goldhofer equipment is another milestone for the future-proof ground handling of EFM GmbH at Munich Airport. As a pioneer in the field of emission-free ground handling, our goal is to make ground handling fit for a sustainable future. The »PHOENIX« electric tugs from Goldhofer make a valuable contribution to this and help us to realize our vision of a green future.”
EFM GmbH describes itself as a specialist in the maneuvering, de-icing and air conditioning of aircraft. The company, founded in 1992, currently employs a good 150 people in its operational business and, according to its own information, carries out more than 200,000 maneuvers and up to 15,000 de-icing operations every year.
goldhofer.com
