On The Road To Safer Skies: Airbus Tests Next-Gen Tech For Smarter Taxiing And Enhanced Flight Safety
Airbus SE (OTC:EADSY) is showcasing its Optimate demonstrator vehicle at VivaTech, Europe’s largest technology event, aiming to enhance airport safety.
The converted electric truck, fitted with basic A350 airliner controls, demonstrates how automated taxiing could mitigate ground collision risks, reported Reuters.
“Our ambition is to use the best technologies to make our aircraft even more aware of their operating conditions, analysing it in as much detail as possible to become smart and reliable assistants to pilots, providing them with the optimal assistance. We are confident that this project will contribute to safer and more efficient air travel,” said Michael Augello, CEO Airbus UpNext.
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The truck can be operated manually or controlled by aircraft systems, with sensors tracking warning lines and obstacles to navigate to specific locations.
Airbus refrains from linking its research to specific incidents, but comparisons are drawn to a recent collision in Tokyo involving a landing A350 and a coast guard plane, the report mentioned.
Similar ground collisions include a Virgin Atlantic jet hitting a British Airways plane and two JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:JBLU) planes colliding at Boston Logan, both currently under regulatory review.
Airbus hopes the demonstration at VivaTech will illustrate how automation can maneuver large jets through crowded airports safely.
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The report specified that these low-speed ramp incidents, though rarely fatal, are increasingly costly and disruptive for airlines and passengers. The hybrid research platform, developed in collaboration with Israeli electric vehicle maker Ree Automotive Ltd (NASDAQ:REE), is part of a three-year “Optimate” project.
The truck will undergo testing at live airports, potentially leading to further tests on an A350-1000 aircraft.
Despite the challenges of certifying new systems, Airbus stresses that pilots will continue to play a crucial role, with automation designed to reduce pilot error but not fully autonomous.
Price Action: EADSY shares traded lower by 0.40% at $43.08 at the last check Friday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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