At Munich Airport, operations are going electric.

EFM, the company for de-icing and aircraft towing at Munich Airport, is now using an aircraft tow tractor equipped with the latest 700 V lithium-ion battery technology, which can effortlessly tow passenger aircraft up to a take-off weight of 352 tons and also wide-body aircraft.

The flagship of the Memmingen-based manufacturer Goldhofer is named after the mythical miracle bird Phoenix and achieves speeds of up to 32kmph with consistently high tractive power.

Through short intermediate charging, reliable round-the-clock operation is possible with the pioneering and completely emission-free “PHOENIX” E.

If the loading capacity is ever insufficient, “PHOENIX” E is also equipped with a range extender that enables operation with diesel in exceptional cases. Compared to conventional diesel tractors, the maintenance effort is significantly lower.

With the deployment of the all-electric aircraft pushback tug, EFM, a joint subsidiary of Lufthansa and Munich Airport, is making a contribution to Munich Airport’s climate protection goals, which are to be operated in a completely CO2-neutral manner by 2030 at the latest.