StandardAero and Green Taxi Solutions (GTS) are collaborating to obtain supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for an aircraft-installed, electric taxiing system designed to reduce emissions, fuel burn, and noise during ground operations. “Aligning with StandardAero allows us to bring this technology to market with the certification experience and operational credibility needed for broad adoption,” said GTS founder and president David Valaer.

Announced this week at the Paris Air Show, the partnership is backed by a $5.6 million grant from the FAA’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program. The company is aiming for FAA certification by 2027 and has received a “no technical objection” letter from Airbus following a successful demo on an A320. Additional approvals are planned from EASA and Brazil’s ANAC. The company is in “active collaboration” with Delta Air Lines, SkyWest, and Alaska Airlines.

The GTS system allows aircraft to taxi using only their auxiliary power unit (APU), eliminating the need to engage main engines. While the APU does use jet fuel to operate, it consumes approximately 85% less fuel than the main engines during taxiing. According to the companies, the system uses electric motors mounted on the main landing gear and connects to the existing APU through an onboard inverter and control system.

GTS estimates that each equipped aircraft could save up to 80,000 gallons of fuel annually, equating to about $250,000 in operational costs. The system also aims to reduce brake wear and improve turnaround times, particularly at congested airports.

StandardAero brings extensive experience in certifications across commercial and military platforms. The company’s in-house team has secured dozens of STCs and international approvals.

StandardAero officials said the retrofit-friendly system is a practical, near-term answer to ground emissions challenges without requiring major changes to airport infrastructure.