TLD has successfully demonstrated a remote-controlled pushback of a widebody aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport using its electric towbarless tractor, marking what the company says is the world's first operation of its kind.

The demonstration, conducted with the support of Airport Authority Hong Kong and the involvement of the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, Cathay Pacific and HAECO, used a TLD TPX-200-MTX-E tractor to push back an Airbus A350-900 in a live airside environment. An operator on the ground controlled the tractor through a custom-designed portable wireless remote-control panel.

The remote-control system and operating procedures were developed with input from the participating industry partners. According to TLD, the demonstration validated the technology's capabilities for widebody aircraft and showed its potential for use with narrowbody aircraft as well.

The TPX-200-MTX-E is designed for pushback, repositioning and towing of narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Its direct electric driveline uses two wheel-hub motors to deliver power directly to the wheels, eliminating the heat and energy losses associated with conventional hydraulic transmissions. The tractor also incorporates automated aircraft loading and anti-jackknife safety features.

TLD said remote operation could improve ramp safety by allowing operators to position themselves for better situational awareness while increasing operational flexibility.

The company plans to continue testing the technology, with the next phase involving remote-controlled pushback operations from an off-site control room. That work is intended to support the development of more autonomous pushback operations in the future.