Transcript:
In the sky over Texas, you might spot two planes connected by a cable – with one pulling the other.
These are test flights from Aerolane, a company that’s turning cargo planes into flying trailers as a way to cut shipping costs.
Todd Graetz, Aerolane’s CEO, calls it a “sky train.”
Graetz: “Essentially, we are towing cargo behind the primary plane. So we’re basically doing what trucking and rail has proven to date, and we’re adding that concept into the air.”
With Aerolane’s technology, both planes still have their own pilot and engines.
To pull the second plane, the first plane uses a little more fuel than it would flying alone. But the second plane mostly keeps its engines idling and glides in the first plane’s wake. This reduces overall fuel use and planet-warming carbon pollution.
Graetz: “If we can reduce those emissions, all the while saving the operators money, it’s a win for everyone.”
Airlines can install this technology on standard planes to adapt their existing fleets.
One U.S. cargo airline will start flying with Aerolane’s tech later this year, and eventually, Graetz envisions sky trains carrying cargo all over the world.
Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media
