All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced it will begin using the Mototok Spacer 8600 remote controlled tugat at Kyushu Saga International Airport.
Japan’s largest airline began testing the hi-tech tug in September 2018 at Haneda International Airport, with on-site training at Kyushu Saga commencing in mid-April this year.
“ANA has earned its reputation for innovation by actively embracing the latest technological advancements, and the use of this tug is emblematic of our efforts to set the pace for integrating new technology into the airline industry,” said Shinichi Abe, Executive Vice President of ANA.
“The Mototok Spacer 8600 will help ANA become more eco-friendly while also boosting safety and cutting costs. By enhancing our current technological portfolio, our team will continue to improve every aspect of the air travel experience and challenge the status quo.”
The Spacer 8600 was an instrumental part of Mototok being named the “Ground Support Worldwide 2019 Product Leader of the Year” by AviationPros.com.
The tug, which provides the controller with access to important location data in real time, has a maximum towing capacity of 95 tons, speeds of up to 6 kilometers per hour while towing aircraft and an 80-volt battery, which allows it to be used to position up to 30 different aircraft without recharging.
