Originally Posted by
troyb
I think Branson was trying to push that a while back, don't think it ever took off. Seems like a pretty reasonable idea to me, even if the cost savings were small. With little or no takeoff line, the savings would probably add up.
VS did try this towing method, which was called "Starting Grid" in which the plane is towed from the stand to an area located within 10 minutes before takeoff to start engines thereby conserving CO2 emissions. The method did not take off because tests determined that towing a plane that long a distance put too much stress on the front landing gear. What many airlines do now after pushback from the stand is to start with one engine, power out and taxi then start the rest of the engines while taxiing close to takeoff position in order to save fuel.