A PYMNTS Company

Taxibot, new taxiing solution for planes, is cleared for takeoff

By  |  July 16, 2012

The European Commission has approved Taxibot, a joint venture proposed by Airbus, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, and Israel Aerospace Industries. Taxibot is a semi-robotic tugging tractor used by airplanes when taxiing to and frm the runway. The product will be controlled by the pilots and is designed for the plane to start its engines just before take-off and to cut the engines just after landing. The remainder of taxiing will rely on Taxibot’s engine and fuel, which will reduce fuel consumption for planes.

Taxibot was cleared on the basis of its novelty. The Commission did not find that the joint venture would shut out rivals for alternative taxiing solutions or aircraft.

Full content: EC Press Release

 

Related content: Beyond Schumpeter v. Arrow: How Antitrust Fosters Innovation

 

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.