By David Pearson
PARIS--Commercial aircraft builder Airbus said Wednesday it will
work with aviation suppliers Safran SA (SAF.FR) of France and
Honeywell Inc. (HON) of the U.S. to help them develop a system that
will allow airliners to push back from an airport ramp and taxi to
and from runways using electric motors in their wheels, without
using their jet engines.
Safran and Honeywell have been developing the system that
promises to cut fuel consumption, save time and reduce
taxiing-related emissions substantially. Airbus's backing gives a
strong endorsement for the Electric Green Taxiing System, which
Airbus will call eTaxi.
The system uses an aircraft's auxiliary power unit to power
electric motors fitted to the main landing gear wheels. Pilots
retain full control from the cockpit over their aircraft's speed
and direction during taxi operations. The system's developers
estimate it could reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide
emissions on an average trip by around 4%.
Airbus, a division of European Aeronautic Defence & Space
Co. (EAD.FR), intends to join EGTS International, the existing
joint venture between Honeywell and Safran. The partners will
evaluate the system's potential as an option for the Airbus A320
family of short to medium-range single-aisle aircraft that could be
installed during manufacture, or retrofitted to existing
aircraft.
The system was first shown in public at this year's Paris Air
Show.
Write to David Pearson at david.pearson@wsj.com
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