Airports
Autonomous Electric Tow Tugs Could Cut Handling Costs
Moonware is developing fully autonomous electric tugs that will be able to move aircraft up to the size of a widebody airliner.
Moonware's new tow tugs will be electrically powered and operate autonomously. (Image: Moonware)
Moonware's new tow tugs will be electrically powered and operate autonomously. (Image: Moonware)

Californian start-up Moonware is stepping up its plans to develop a family of electrically powered tow tugs that it says could transform the ground handling process for aircraft up to the size of widebody airliners. The tugs, which could be ready to enter service in 2023, will operate autonomously using software and control systems developed by the San Francisco-based company.